Pueraria montana aka Kudzu

Pueraria montana, or kudzu vine, belongs to the pea family. Its native range runs from Asia to northern Australia. Kew records it as a plant of subtropical climates. It grows both in the wild and in cultivation. People have long grown it for food, medicine, and fibre. Some parts of Asia and the Pacific still grow it.

This perennial climber grows from a large, tuberous rootstock. The rootstock can reach 6.6 feet [2 metres] in length. Twining stems reach 49–98 feet [15–30 metres], sometimes more. Missouri Botanical Garden lists a height of 100 feet [30.48 metres]. It lists a spread of 20 feet [6.1 metres]. The stems grow woody near their base as they age. They trail across soil or climb nearby shrubs and trees. Nodes form roots when they touch the ground. This growth can build thick mats across large areas.

Each leaf has three leaflets, shaped like ovals or triangles. The flowers have a red-purple hue and a scent. Bees and other insects pollinate them. Useful Tropical Plants reports that the species is not self-fertile. Its fruit forms long, flat pods covered with hairs. Plants For A Future describes three seeds within each pod. The flowers and fruit add detail to its dense growth.

For cultivation, Missouri Botanical Garden favours sandy loam with good drainage. Full sun suits it best, though it also tolerates shade. Shade can prevent it from flowering. It withstands drought but does poorly in wet soil. The garden lists USDA hardiness zones 5–10. Cold winters can kill the top growth back to the crown. That does not stop invasive spread in places such as Missouri. The vine can cover trees and choke their growth. Missouri Botanical Garden advises against planting it in the United States. Planting it is illegal in many parts of that country.

The roots provide food and can be cooked or made into noodles. Young leaves, young shoots, and flowers also have cooked uses. People also pickle the flowers. Fibre and soil conservation are other recorded uses. Sources describe its use in Chinese herbal medicine for several ailments. These include fever, colds, diarrhoea, and alcohol-related problems. The supplied species evidence does not establish a toxicity rating. Its ability to overwhelm other plants limits its landscape value.