Pueraria phaseoloides
| Pueraria phaseoloides | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Nitrogen Fixer | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Pueraria phaseoloides (common name: tropical kudzu)
Propagation: 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[1]. Cover the young plants with a frame or cloche until they are growing away well.
Cultivation: 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 is unlikely to be winter hardy in any but the very mildest parts of the country. It is probably possible to grow it as an annual crop, harvesting the root in the autumn. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil[1].
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[1].
Range: E. Asia - Himalayas to China.
Edibility: The tuberous root can be eaten[2][3][4].
Medicinal: A poultice of the plant is applied to ulcers and boils, especially in children[5]. A decoction is also used internally[5].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Tanaka, Tyōzaburō. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing, 1976.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.
- ↑ Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Chopra, R. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi, 1986.