Mealy Kudzu

Pueraria montana chinensis

Physical Characteristics

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.

Distribution

E. Asia - eastern Himalayas from Sikkim to the Khasia Hills at an elevation of 1,500 - 2,100 metres.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Antipyretic Antispasmodic Diaphoretic Hypotensive The flowers are used in the treatment of thirst, high fever, abdominal fullness, nausea and vomiting due to alcohol poisoning[176]. The root is antipyretic, antispasmodic, diaphoretic and hypotensive[176]. 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[176]. 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)[176].

Known Hazards

None known