Kudzu vine

Kudzu vine

Pueraria montana (Fabaceae)

Common Name:

Kudzu vine

Scientific Name:

Pueraria montana (Fabaceae)


Alternative common names:

Kudzu ranker (Afrikaans)

Description:

Vigorous, deciduous climber up to 18m high with a large tuber. Very long, hairy vines. Light green, finely hairy 3-palmate leaves. Reddish-purple, fragrant flowers in spikes up to 30cm long from March to April. Flattened pods covered with long, rusty-brown hairs

Additional Information


Where does this species come from?

Japan and southern China

What is its invasive status in South Africa?

Existing legislation: CARA 2002 - Category 1 NEMBA - Category 1a

Where in South Africa is it a problem?

Mpumalanga Province

How does it spread?

Spread by seeds, vegetative expansion using its stolons (runners) that root at the nodes and also by rhizomes

Why is it a problem?

It competes and replaces indigenous plants

What does it look like?

General description: Vigorous, deciduous climber up to 18m high with a large tuber. Very long, hairy vines.
Leaves: Light green, finely hairy 3-palmate leaves.
Flowers: Reddish-purple, fragrant flowers in spikes up to 30cm long from March to April.
Fruit/Seeds: Flattened pods covered with long, rusty-brown hairs

Does the plant have any uses?

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