There are several classifications of the genus Actinidia. At present, the chief cultivated varieties belong to the genus Actinidia deliciosa. The most outspread cultivars are Hayward and Bruno.

In 1983, in the Botanical Institute of Guangxi (China) the genus Actinidia was classified by means of describing the different areas of the 53 species, 5 varieties and 15 forms included in this genus, distributed spontaneously, from Ecuador to 50º of latitude North and from Japan (to the East) to Tibet (to the West). From this classification, A. Chinensis is subdivided in 3 botanical varieties: chinensis (with a glabrous fruit), hispida and setosa, (with a hairy fruit); the cultivars would be assigned to A. Chinensis var. hispida.

In 1984, the author of the previous classification and another researcher from New Zealand verified that the var. hispida had been already described by A. Chevalier as var. deliciosa, and therefore they decide to forget about this last denomination and they suggest to change A. chinensis var. deliciosa to Actinidia deliciosa.

Apart from A. Deliciosa, the species Actinidia arguta and A. kolomikta also bear edible fruit of certain interest.

The varieties of Actinidia cultivated nowadays are native to New Zealand. They are classified in feminine varieties and masculine or pollinating varieties.

- Feminine varieties: Abott, Bruno, Hayward, Monty, Kramer, Greensil, Allison, Vicent, Tewi, Gracie, Jones and Elmwood.
- Masculine varieties: Matua, Tomuri and M-3. The recently introduced varieties are M51, M52, M54, M56, Chieftain and Autari.

The plantations in Spain belong to Actinidia deliciosa, whose cultivar Hayward is the most spread and considered to be the prototype of fruit known as "Kiwi’. Some curious cultivators are introducing some clones bred in other countries like: "Hayward K", "Hayward 8" or "Top Star".