Mealy Kudzu
Pueraria montana chinensis
Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae
What it is like
Pueraria montana chinensis is a PERENNIAL CLIMBER growing to 2 m (6ft 7in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Height (m): 2
Where it is found
Not known
E. Asia - eastern Himalayas from Sikkim to the Khasia Hills at an elevation of 1,500 - 2,100 metres.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 0
Medicine
Rating: 3
The flowers are used in the treatment of thirst, high fever, abdominal fullness, nausea and vomiting due to alcohol poisoning. The root is antipyretic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic and hypotensive. It is used in the treatment f common colds with discomfort and pain in the neck and back, febrile diseases, diabetes, hypertensive headaches, coronary heart diseases and measles. The root contains puerarin. This increases the blood flow to the coronary artery and protects against acute myocardial ischaemia caused by the injection of pituitrin (hypophysin).
Antipyretic: Treats fevers. See Febrifuge.
Antispasmodic: Relaxes muscular spasms and cramps, calming nervous irritation.
Diaphoretic: Induces perspiration.
Hypotensive: Reduces blood pressure, it is used in the treatment of high blood pressure
Other
Rating:
Nitrogen Fixer: Plants that fix nitrogen in the soil
How it is grown
We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors at least in the milder parts of this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil. This species has a symbiotic relationship with certain soil bacteria, these bacteria form nodules on the roots and fix atmospheric nitrogen. Some of this nitrogen is utilized by the growing plant but some can also be used by other plants growing nearby.
Propagating it: Pre-soak the seed for 12 hours in warm water and sow in a warm greenhouse in early spring. Germination should take place within 2 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out after the last expected frosts. Cover the young plants with a frame or cloche until they are growing away well.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial Climber
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist