Pueraria tuberosa

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae

What it is like

Pueraria tuberosa is a CLIMBER growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). 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.

Height (m): 1

Where it is found

Shrubberies and streamsides, 300 - 2000 metres.

E. Asia - Pakistan to C. Nepal and India.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Root - raw. Very large, it is up to 50cm long and 30cm in diameter. A liquorice flavour.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 2

The root is used as a demulcent and refrigerant in the treatment of fevers. It is peeled and bruised into a cataplasm and used to reduce swellings. It is crushed and rubbed on the body in the treatment of fevers and rheumatism. It is also emetic, galactogogue and tonic.

Demulcent: Soothes, lubricates and softens irritated tissues, especially the mucous membranes.

Emetic: Induces vomiting.

Galactogogue: Promotes the flow of milk in a nursing mother.

Poultice: A moist, usually warm or hot, mass of plant material applied to the skin in the treatment of burns etc.

Refrigerant: Cools the body.

Tonic: Improves general health. Slower acting than a stimulant, it brings steady improvement.

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 could succeed outdoors 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; Dappled Shade; Cultivated Beds;

Habit: Climber

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Hedysarum tuberosum.