DESCRIPTION: Kudzu is a climbing, semi-woody, perennial vine in the pea family . Deciduous leaves are alternate and compound, with three broad leaflets up to 4 inches across. ... Kudzu roots are fleshy, with massive tap roots 7 inches or more in diameter, 6 feet or more in length, and weighing as much as 400 pounds.
How would you describe kudzu?
Kudzu is a fast-growing, woody, somewhat hairy vine that may grow to a length of 18 metres (60 feet) in one season and features a substantial taproot. It has large compound leaves with three broad leaflets with hairy margins. The plant bears long racemes of late-blooming reddish purple flowers and flat hairy seed pods.
What is the role of kudzu?
Kudzu's root, flower, and leaf are used to make medicine. It has been used in Chinese medicine since at least 200 BC. As early as 600 AD, it was used to treat alcoholism. Today, kudzu is used to treat alcoholism and to reduce symptoms of alcohol hangover , including headache, upset stomach, dizziness, and vomiting.
What does kudzu look like?
Distinguishing features of kudzu include: densely pubescent young stem, ovate/trifoliate leaves , and highly invasive characteristics often seen as large areas of contiguous cover.
Why is it called kudzu?
Kudzu was introduced from Japan into the United States at the Japanese pavilion in the 1876 Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. In the 1930s and 1940s, the vine was rebranded as a way for farmers to stop soil erosion . Workers were paid $8 per acre to sow topsoil with the invasive vine.
Is kudzu a parasite?
Once established in a habitat, kudzu is able to grow very quickly. ... Kudzu is also a “structural parasite” , meaning that, rather than supporting itself, it grows on top of other plants and buildings to reach light.
What does kudzu mean in English?
: a fast-growing Asian vine (Pueraria lobata) of the legume family that is used for forage and erosion control and is often a serious weed in the southeastern U.S.
Is kudzu bad for liver?
The kudzu vine is potentially highly beneficial in treating liver damage , as it scavenges reactive free radicals and boosts the endogenous antioxidant system.
What problems do kudzu cause?
Kudzu, a leafy vine native to Japan and southeastern China, produces the chemicals isoprene and nitric oxide, which, when combined with nitrogen in the air, form ozone, an air pollutant that causes significant health problems for humans. Ozone also hinders the growth of many kinds of plants, including crop vegetation.
Does kudzu really work?
Previous studies conducted in our laboratory have shown that one week and four weeks of kudzu extract administration are effective in reducing alcohol consumption by non-treatment seeking , heavy social drinkers (Lukas et al., 2005, 2013) and that puerarin alone, the major component of the extract, is similarly ...
Is kudzu invasive?
Kudzu is known as one of the world's most invasive plants . It grows rapidly and forms dense, ropey mats over other vegetation and structures. The plants produce massive tuberous roots, making them difficult to control or eradicate.
What makes kudzu unique?
A kudzu's pod blossoms into a tall, purple flower that has a grapelike fragrance. ... These roots are rich in carbohydrates and have the unique ability to tap water from deep underground sources , which makes kudzu survive in dry, hot conditions where other plants can't.
Is it legal to plant kudzu?
The plant is classified as a noxious weed by the U.S. government and is illegal to grow in many states. Even where legal, kudzu should not be planted due to its capacity to escape cultivation .
Is kudzu harmful to humans?
When taken by mouth: Kudzu is POSSIBLY SAFE for most people when taken by mouth appropriately for up to 4 months. When kudzu is taken by mouth, side effects might include itchiness, stomach upset, and dizziness. Other reports suggest that taking kudzu root by mouth might cause liver damage.
Is kudzu a problem in Japan?
This serious and damaging spread of kudzu here in Japan is mostly due to neglect — I would even go so far as to say laziness — combined with the sad fact that the traditionally wiser and hardworking farming folk are growing old and dying off. The rampant spread of the vine is also likely aided by warming winters.
