The Kudzu vine is a fast growing plant that originates from east and southeast Asia, where it is used for erosion prevention and soil improvement. Other uses include animal feed and it is used in traditional medicines. Fibers of the plant are known as ko-hemp and can be used to make clothing or paper.
In some regions (e.g. USA, Australia) the plant is an invasive species. It can kill shrubs and trees by overgrowing them and is therefore considered a serious weed.
Names
Scientific
Pueraria lobata
English
Japanese arrowroot
Kudzu
Dutch
Kudzu
Spanish
Kudzu
French
Kouzou
Kudzu
Puéraire
Vigne kudzu
German
Kudzu
Italian
Kudzu
Taxonomy
Genus
Pueraria
Family
Fabaceae
Order
Fabales
Basic information and facts
Origin:
Kudzu is native to eastern and southeast Asia and some of the Pacific Islands.
Distribution:
This plant species has spread to other tropical and subtropical regions where it now grows as an invasive species. In many regions it is considered a weed. Because of its rapid growth it can kill trees or shrubs as they get completely overgrown.
Annual, biennial, or perennial:
Plant:
Kudzu is a climbing and coiling vine, which can grow very fast (30 cm per day) and can reach a length of 30 meters.
Flowers:
Leaves:
Fruits:
Climate and weather:
Pollination:
Height:
Kuzu vines can reach a length of 30 meters.
Spacing:
Propagation:
Insect pests:
Diseases:
Harvesting:
Uses:
Kudzu can be used for soil improvement, because it is a legume As a legume and thus increases the nitrogen in the soil. It is also used for erosion prevention and as animal feed. The plant is known for its use in traditional medicines. Fibers of the kudzu plant are known as ko-hemp and are used for making clothing or paper.
Crop categories
Erosion prevention
Forage and fodder crops
Medicinal plants
Soil improvement
Tropical crops