Pueraria montana
(Lour.) Merr.
Fabaceae
There has been considereable confusion in the past over the correct naming of this species, with many authorities using the name Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi as the correct name and Pueraria montana (Lour.) Merr., as a form of that species. Opinion is now generally reversed and Pueraria lobata is now commonly seen as a form of Pueraria montana, as Pueraria montana lobata (Willd.) Sanjappa & Pradeep[
K- Title
- Plants for a Future
- Author
- Ken Fern
- Description
- Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
].
Bujacia anonychia E. Mey.
Dolichos grandiflorus Wall.
Dolichos grandifolius Wall.
Dolichos hirsutus Thunb.
Dolichos japonicus hort.
Dolichos lobatus Willd.
Dolichos montanus Lour.
Dolichos trilobus Lour.
Glycine javanica L.
Glycine moniliforme Hochst. ex A. Rich.
Neustanthus chinensis Benth.
Pachyrhizus montanus (Lour.) DC.
Pachyrhizus thunbergianus Siebold & Zucc.
Pachyrhizus trilobus DC.
Phaseolus trilobus (L.) Aiton
Pueraria argyi H.Lev. & Vaniot
Pueraria bodinieri H.Lev. & Vaniot
Pueraria caerulea H.Lev. & Vaniot
Pueraria chinensis Ohwi
Pueraria harmsii Rech.
Pueraria hirsuta (Thunb.) Matsum.
Pueraria koten H.Lev. & Vaniot
Pueraria lobata (Willd.) Ohwi.
Pueraria neo-caledonica Harms
Pueraria novo-guineensis Warb.
Pueraria omeiensis T.Tang & Wang
Pueraria pseudohirsuta T.Tang & Wang
Pueraria thomsonii Benth.
Pueraria thunbergiana (Siebold & Zucc.) Benth.
Pueraria tonkinensis Gagnep.
Pueraria triloba (Houtt.) Makino
Pueraria triloba sensu auct.
Pueraria volkensii Hosok.
Stizolobium montanum (Lour.) Spreng.
Zeydora agrestis Gomes
Common Name: Kudzu Vine
General Information
Pueraria montana is a vigorous, perennial climbing plant producing annual, twining stems from a large, tuberous rootstock that can be up to 2 metres long and 45cm in diameter. The stems can reach 15 - 30 metres or more in length and are up to 10cm in diameter, becoming woody at the base. They scramble over the ground, producing new roots where stem nodes touch the soil and often forming dense carpets over the ground. They also climb high into any trees or shrubs around them and can completely smother forest trees[
266- Title
- Flora of China
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/
- Publisher
- Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis.
- Year
- 1994
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available.
,
303- Title
- World Agroforesty Centre
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
,
,
1093- Title
- Invasive Species Compendium
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.cabi.org
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
].
A very useful plant, supplying food, medicines and fibre, as well as being grown in soil conservation projects. It was at one time very widely grown for its edible root and useful fibre, especially in east and southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands[
]. It is reputed to be the oldest fibre crop in China and Japan, being mentioned in documents over 2,000 years ago[
]. Nowadays it has mostly lost its former importance, cultivation has been abandoned (e.g. In Pacific Islands.) or reduced to a relic state[
]. Cultivation, however, is still practised considerably in the highlands of New Guinea, New Caledonia, northern Philippines and in Japan.
Known Hazards
Although no specific mention has been found for this species, the leaves of the closely related Pueraria hirsuta (which might be no more than a synonym for this species) have barbed hairs and these can cause severe irritation[
151- Title
- Corean Flora.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Wilson. E. H. and Trollope. M. N.
- Publisher
- Royal Asiatic Society
- Year
- 1918
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- A very small handbook, it does give a little bit of information on Korean plants.
].
Botanical References
58- Title
- Flora of Japan. (English translation)
- Publication
-
- Author
- Ohwi. G.
- Publisher
- Smithsonian Institution
- Year
- 1965
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.
,
200- Title
- The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Huxley. A.
- Publisher
- MacMillan Press
- Year
- 1992
- ISBN
- 0-333-47494-5
- Description
- Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
,
1577- Title
- Revision of the Genus Pueraria DC., with some notes on Teyleria Backer
- Publication
- Agricultural University Wageningen Papers 85-1, 1985
- Author
- Ven der Maesen L.J.G.
- Publisher
- Agricultural University,Wageningen,theNetherlands
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 90-6754-066-8
- Description
-
Range
E. Asia - China, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines. New Guinea,th the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu.
Habitat
Thickets and thin woods all over Japan[
58- Title
- Flora of Japan. (English translation)
- Publication
-
- Author
- Ohwi. G.
- Publisher
- Smithsonian Institution
- Year
- 1965
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- The standard work. Brilliant, but not for the casual reader.
]. Thickets, forests, on dry slopes or in moist places, in sandy or loamy soils, valleys, roadsides, open pastures, hedges, river sides, swamps; at elevations up to 1,500 metres[
1577- Title
- Revision of the Genus Pueraria DC., with some notes on Teyleria Backer
- Publication
- Agricultural University Wageningen Papers 85-1, 1985
- Author
- Ven der Maesen L.J.G.
- Publisher
- Agricultural University,Wageningen,theNetherlands
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 90-6754-066-8
- Description
-
]..
Properties
Weed Potential | Yes |
Edibility Rating | |
Medicinal Rating | |
Other Uses Rating | |
Habit | Perennial Climber |
Height | 10.00 m |
Growth Rate | Fast |
Pollinators | Bees, Insects |
Self-fertile | No |
Cultivation Status | Cultivated, Wild |
Cultivation Details
Kudzu vine can be grown in a wide range of climates from milder areas in the temperate zone to the subtropics and higher elevations in the tropics. It grows best in areas where annual daytime temperatures are within the range 18 - 28°c, but can tolerate 9 - 32°c[
]. When dormant, the plant can survive temperatures down to about -6°c, but young growth can be severely damaged at -1°c[
]. Plants are hardy to about -15°c, they can resprout from the base if they are cut down by frosts[
200- Title
- The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Huxley. A.
- Publisher
- MacMillan Press
- Year
- 1992
- ISBN
- 0-333-47494-5
- Description
- Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. It prefers a mean annual rainfall in the range 1,200 - 1,400mm, but tolerates 950 - 2,200mm[
].
Succeeds in most well-drained soils in a sunny position[
200- Title
- The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Huxley. A.
- Publisher
- MacMillan Press
- Year
- 1992
- ISBN
- 0-333-47494-5
- Description
- Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
], though it does not make good growth on very light poor sand or on poorly drained heavy clay[
269- Title
- Handbook of Energy Crops
- Publication
-
- Author
- Duke. J.
- Publisher
- -
- Year
- 1983
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- Published only on the Internet, excellent information on a wide range of both temperate and tropical plants.
]. Grows best on well-drained loam soil of good fertility[
269- Title
- Handbook of Energy Crops
- Publication
-
- Author
- Duke. J.
- Publisher
- -
- Year
- 1983
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- Published only on the Internet, excellent information on a wide range of both temperate and tropical plants.
]. Plants cannot stand waterlogging on any soil[
269- Title
- Handbook of Energy Crops
- Publication
-
- Author
- Duke. J.
- Publisher
- -
- Year
- 1983
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- Published only on the Internet, excellent information on a wide range of both temperate and tropical plants.
]. Prefers a pH in the range 5.5 - 6.5, tolerating 5 - 7.1[
269- Title
- Handbook of Energy Crops
- Publication
-
- Author
- Duke. J.
- Publisher
- -
- Year
- 1983
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- Published only on the Internet, excellent information on a wide range of both temperate and tropical plants.
,
]. A deep-rooted pant, once established it is very drought resistant[
171- Title
- Economic Botany.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Hill. A. F.
- Publisher
- The Maple Press
- Year
- 1952
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- Not very comprehensive, but it is quite readable and goes into some detail about the plants it does cover.
,
269- Title
- Handbook of Energy Crops
- Publication
-
- Author
- Duke. J.
- Publisher
- -
- Year
- 1983
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- Published only on the Internet, excellent information on a wide range of both temperate and tropical plants.
].
When grown in warm climates, the root can be invasive and plants have become weeds[
182- Title
- Ornamental Shrubs, Climbers and Bamboos.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Thomas. G. S.
- Publisher
- Murray
- Year
- 1992
- ISBN
- 0-7195-5043-2
- Description
- Contains a wide range of plants with a brief description, mainly of their ornamental value but also usually of cultivation details and varieties.
,
219- Title
- Gardening on Walls
- Publication
-
- Author
- Grey-Wilson. C. & Matthews. V.
- Publisher
- Collins
- Year
- 1983
- ISBN
- 0-00-219220-0
- Description
- A nice little book about plants for growing against walls and a small section on plants that can grow in walls.
]. Introduced into the southern N. American states in 1876 as a soil stabilizer, the var lobata has spread very widely (it can grow up to 30cm in a day), and has swamped out native vegetation, including large trees. It is considered to be one of the most obnoxious weeds in that region[
274- Title
- Illustrated Flora of North Central Texas
- Publication
-
- Author
- Diggs, Jnr. G.M.; Lipscomb. B. L. & O'Kennon. R. J
- Website
- http://artemis.austincollege.edu/acad/bio/gdiggs/NCTXpdf.htm
- Publisher
- Botanical Research Institute, Texas.
- Year
- 1999
- ISBN
- 1-889878-01-4
- Description
- An excellent flora, which is also available on-line.
].
The tubers can be harvested about 1 year after planting, if grown from cuttings. If left longer in the soil they can become very large, with weights of up to 180 kilos[
303- Title
- World Agroforesty Centre
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
].
Pueraria montana has three varieties, all of which can be used more or less interchangeably:-
Pueraria montana montana. This form has the smallest flowers.
Pueraria montana lobata (Willd.) Maesen & S.M.Almeida ex Sanjappa & Predeep. This is the form most commonly cultivated outside its native range. It has become an extremely invasive weed in southeastern USA, though it has not yet become invasive elsewhere[
1093- Title
- Invasive Species Compendium
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.cabi.org
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An immense resource - in depth information on over 900 species of invasive plants (it also has information on animals, fungi etc).
]. It is also the form most commonly mentioned for its medicinal and other uses.
Pueraria montana thomsonii (Benth.) M.R.Almeida. This form has the largest flowers.
The flowers have a sweet vanilla scent[
245- Title
- Scented Flora of the World.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Genders. R.
- Publisher
- Robert Hale. London.
- Year
- 1994
- ISBN
- 0-7090-5440-8
- Description
- An excellent, comprehensive book on scented plants giving a few other plant uses and brief cultivation details. There are no illustrations.
].
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[
200- Title
- The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Huxley. A.
- Publisher
- MacMillan Press
- Year
- 1992
- ISBN
- 0-333-47494-5
- Description
- Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
].
Edible Uses
Root - cooked[
105- Title
- Tanaka's Cyclopedia of Edible Plants of the World.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Tanaka. T. & Nakao S.
- Publisher
- Keigaku Publishing; Tokyo
- Year
- 1976
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- The most comprehensive list of edible plants I've come across. Only the briefest entry for each species, though, and some of the entries are more than a little dubious. Not for the casual reader.
,
171- Title
- Economic Botany.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Hill. A. F.
- Publisher
- The Maple Press
- Year
- 1952
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- Not very comprehensive, but it is quite readable and goes into some detail about the plants it does cover.
]. Rich in starch[
109- Title
- Plantae Wilsonae. Vol 1 - 3
- Publication
-
- Author
- Wilson. E. H.
- Website
- http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
- Publisher
- University Press; Cambridge.
- Year
- 1911 - 1917
- ISBN
-
- Description
- Details of the palnts collected by the plant collector E. H. Wilson on his travels in China. Gives some habitats. Not for the casual reader. It can be downloaded from the internet.
]. The root can be up to 1.8 metres long[
174- Title
- Atlas of Medicinal Plants.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Kariyone. T.
- Publisher
- Nihon Rinshosha; Osaka
- Year
- 1973
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A good Japanese herbal.
] and has been known to weigh 35 kilos or more[
269- Title
- Handbook of Energy Crops
- Publication
-
- Author
- Duke. J.
- Publisher
- -
- Year
- 1983
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- Published only on the Internet, excellent information on a wide range of both temperate and tropical plants.
]. One report is of a mature tuber weighing 180 kilos[
1577- Title
- Revision of the Genus Pueraria DC., with some notes on Teyleria Backer
- Publication
- Agricultural University Wageningen Papers 85-1, 1985
- Author
- Ven der Maesen L.J.G.
- Publisher
- Agricultural University,Wageningen,theNetherlands
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 90-6754-066-8
- Description
-
]. The root contains about 10% of a fine quality starch - this can be extracted and used as a crispy coating in deep fried foods, or as a thickening agent in soups etc[
174- Title
- Atlas of Medicinal Plants.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Kariyone. T.
- Publisher
- Nihon Rinshosha; Osaka
- Year
- 1973
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A good Japanese herbal.
,
183- Title
- Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Facciola. S.
- Publisher
- Kampong Publications
- Year
- 1990
- ISBN
- 0-9628087-0-9
- Description
- Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.
,
303- Title
- World Agroforesty Centre
- Publication
-
- Author
-
- Website
- http://www.worldagroforestry.org/
- Publisher
-
- Year
- 0
- ISBN
-
- Description
- An excellent online database of a huge range of trees giving very good information on each plant - its uses, ecology, identity, propagation, pests etc.
]. It can also be made into noodles, or like agar or gelatine is used as a gelling agent for salads[
183- Title
- Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Facciola. S.
- Publisher
- Kampong Publications
- Year
- 1990
- ISBN
- 0-9628087-0-9
- Description
- Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.
]. The roots are a staple food in Japan, the peeled root contains about 2.1% protein, 0.1% fat, 27.1% carbohydrate, 1.4% ash[
179- Title
- Famine Foods listed in the Chiu-Huang Pen-ts'ao.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Reid. B. E.
- Publisher
- Southern Materials Centre; Taipei
- Year
- 1977
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- A translation of an ancient Chinese book on edible wild foods. Fascinating.
]. The starch of the roots contains (per 100 g) 340 calories, 16.5 percent moisture, 0.2 g protein, 0.1 g fat, 83.1 g total carbohydrate, 0.1 g ash, 35 mg Ca, 18 mg P, 2.0 mg Fe, and 2 mg Na[
269- Title
- Handbook of Energy Crops
- Publication
-
- Author
- Duke. J.
- Publisher
- -
- Year
- 1983
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- Published only on the Internet, excellent information on a wide range of both temperate and tropical plants.
]. A nutritional analysis for the whole root is available.
Flowers - cooked or made into pickles[
183- Title
- Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Facciola. S.
- Publisher
- Kampong Publications
- Year
- 1990
- ISBN
- 0-9628087-0-9
- Description
- Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.
]. Eaten as a vegetable[
1577- Title
- Revision of the Genus Pueraria DC., with some notes on Teyleria Backer
- Publication
- Agricultural University Wageningen Papers 85-1, 1985
- Author
- Ven der Maesen L.J.G.
- Publisher
- Agricultural University,Wageningen,theNetherlands
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 90-6754-066-8
- Description
-
].
Stems and young leaves - raw or cooked[
105- Title
- Tanaka's Cyclopedia of Edible Plants of the World.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Tanaka. T. & Nakao S.
- Publisher
- Keigaku Publishing; Tokyo
- Year
- 1976
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- The most comprehensive list of edible plants I've come across. Only the briefest entry for each species, though, and some of the entries are more than a little dubious. Not for the casual reader.
]. Eaten as a vegetable[
1577- Title
- Revision of the Genus Pueraria DC., with some notes on Teyleria Backer
- Publication
- Agricultural University Wageningen Papers 85-1, 1985
- Author
- Ven der Maesen L.J.G.
- Publisher
- Agricultural University,Wageningen,theNetherlands
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 90-6754-066-8
- Description
-
]. A very nutritious food, the fresh young shoots taste like a cross between a bean and a pea[
183- Title
- Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Facciola. S.
- Publisher
- Kampong Publications
- Year
- 1990
- ISBN
- 0-9628087-0-9
- Description
- Excellent. Contains a very wide range of conventional and unconventional food plants (including tropical) and where they can be obtained (mainly N. American nurseries but also research institutes and a lot of other nurseries from around the world.
]. The cooked leaves contain (per 100 g) 36 calories, 89.0 percent moisture, 0.4 g protein, 0.1 g fat, 9.7 g total carbohydrate. 7.7 g fibre, 0.8 fat, 34 mg Ca, 20 mg P, 4.9 mg Fe, 0.03 mg thiamine, 0.91 mg riboflavin, 0.8 mg niacin[
269- Title
- Handbook of Energy Crops
- Publication
-
- Author
- Duke. J.
- Publisher
- -
- Year
- 1983
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- Published only on the Internet, excellent information on a wide range of both temperate and tropical plants.
].
Medicinal
The kudzu vine, known as Ge Gen in China, is commonly used in oriental herbalism, and is considered to be one of the 50 fundamental herbs in Chinese herbalism[
218- Title
- Medicinal Plants of China
- Publication
-
- Author
- Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S.
- Publisher
- Reference Publications, Inc.
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 0-917256-20-4
- Description
- Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.
]. All parts of the plant are used medicinally, particularly the starch-rich root. Kudzu starch is used to restore the health, acting by alkalinizing the bloodstream and fighting intestinal and digestive disorders. The starch is then mainly taken in soups or teas. As a diet food it is soothing, nutritious and easy to digest[
1577- Title
- Revision of the Genus Pueraria DC., with some notes on Teyleria Backer
- Publication
- Agricultural University Wageningen Papers 85-1, 1985
- Author
- Ven der Maesen L.J.G.
- Publisher
- Agricultural University,Wageningen,theNetherlands
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 90-6754-066-8
- Description
-
].
The flowers and the roots are antidote, antiemetic, antipyretic, antispasmodic, demulcent, diaphoretic, digestive, febrifuge, hypoglycaemic and hypotensive[
174- Title
- Atlas of Medicinal Plants.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Kariyone. T.
- Publisher
- Nihon Rinshosha; Osaka
- Year
- 1973
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A good Japanese herbal.
,
176- Title
- Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Yeung. Him-Che.
- Publisher
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- An excellent Chinese herbal giving information on over 500 species. Rather technical and probably best suited to the more accomplished user of herbs.
,
218- Title
- Medicinal Plants of China
- Publication
-
- Author
- Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S.
- Publisher
- Reference Publications, Inc.
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 0-917256-20-4
- Description
- Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.
,
222- Title
- A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Foster. S. & Duke. J. A.
- Publisher
- Houghton Mifflin Co.
- Year
- 1990
- ISBN
- 0395467225
- Description
- A concise book dealing with almost 500 species. A line drawing of each plant is included plus colour photographs of about 100 species. Very good as a field guide, it only gives brief details about the plants medicinal properties.
,
238- Title
- Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Bown. D.
- Publisher
- Dorling Kindersley, London.
- Year
- 1995
- ISBN
- 0-7513-020-31
- Description
- A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
]. A decoction of the flowers and tubers is used to treat alcoholism, fever, colds, diarrhoea, dysentery, acute intestinal obstruction etc[
174- Title
- Atlas of Medicinal Plants.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Kariyone. T.
- Publisher
- Nihon Rinshosha; Osaka
- Year
- 1973
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A good Japanese herbal.
,
176- Title
- Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Yeung. Him-Che.
- Publisher
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- An excellent Chinese herbal giving information on over 500 species. Rather technical and probably best suited to the more accomplished user of herbs.
,
218- Title
- Medicinal Plants of China
- Publication
-
- Author
- Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S.
- Publisher
- Reference Publications, Inc.
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 0-917256-20-4
- Description
- Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.
,
222- Title
- A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Foster. S. & Duke. J. A.
- Publisher
- Houghton Mifflin Co.
- Year
- 1990
- ISBN
- 0395467225
- Description
- A concise book dealing with almost 500 species. A line drawing of each plant is included plus colour photographs of about 100 species. Very good as a field guide, it only gives brief details about the plants medicinal properties.
]. It is useful in the treatment of angina pectoris and migraine[
218- Title
- Medicinal Plants of China
- Publication
-
- Author
- Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S.
- Publisher
- Reference Publications, Inc.
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 0-917256-20-4
- Description
- Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.
]. The root is frequently used as a remedy for measles, often in combination with Cimicifuga foetida[
254- Title
- The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants
- Publication
-
- Author
- Chevallier. A.
- Publisher
- Dorling Kindersley. London
- Year
- 1996
- ISBN
- 9-780751-303148
- Description
- An excellent guide to over 500 of the more well known medicinal herbs from around the world.
].
The flower buds are diaphoretic and febrifuge[
1577- Title
- Revision of the Genus Pueraria DC., with some notes on Teyleria Backer
- Publication
- Agricultural University Wageningen Papers 85-1, 1985
- Author
- Ven der Maesen L.J.G.
- Publisher
- Agricultural University,Wageningen,theNetherlands
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 90-6754-066-8
- Description
-
].
Research has shown that compounds called 'daidzin' and 'daidzein', which are contained in the roots and the flowers, are a safe and effective method for treating alcohol abuse[
238- Title
- Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Bown. D.
- Publisher
- Dorling Kindersley, London.
- Year
- 1995
- ISBN
- 0-7513-020-31
- Description
- A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
]. They work by suppressing the appetite for alcohol, whereas existing treatments interfere with the way the alcohol is metabolised and can cause a build-up of toxins[
238- Title
- Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Bown. D.
- Publisher
- Dorling Kindersley, London.
- Year
- 1995
- ISBN
- 0-7513-020-31
- Description
- A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
]. The plant is often used in combination with Chrysanthemum x morifolium in treating alcohol abuse[
254- Title
- The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants
- Publication
-
- Author
- Chevallier. A.
- Publisher
- Dorling Kindersley. London
- Year
- 1996
- ISBN
- 9-780751-303148
- Description
- An excellent guide to over 500 of the more well known medicinal herbs from around the world.
].
The root contains puerarin. This compound has been shown to increase the blood flow to the coronary artery and protects against acute myocardial ischaemia caused by the injection of pituitrin[
176- Title
- Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Yeung. Him-Che.
- Publisher
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- An excellent Chinese herbal giving information on over 500 species. Rather technical and probably best suited to the more accomplished user of herbs.
].
The root can be harvested from the autumn to the spring and is used fresh or dried[
238- Title
- Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Bown. D.
- Publisher
- Dorling Kindersley, London.
- Year
- 1995
- ISBN
- 0-7513-020-31
- Description
- A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
].
The flowers are harvested just before they are fully open and are dried for later use[
238- Title
- Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Bown. D.
- Publisher
- Dorling Kindersley, London.
- Year
- 1995
- ISBN
- 0-7513-020-31
- Description
- A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
].
The stems are galactagogue and are also applied as a poultice to incipient boils, swellings, sore mouths etc[
218- Title
- Medicinal Plants of China
- Publication
-
- Author
- Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S.
- Publisher
- Reference Publications, Inc.
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 0-917256-20-4
- Description
- Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.
,
222- Title
- A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Foster. S. & Duke. J. A.
- Publisher
- Houghton Mifflin Co.
- Year
- 1990
- ISBN
- 0395467225
- Description
- A concise book dealing with almost 500 species. A line drawing of each plant is included plus colour photographs of about 100 species. Very good as a field guide, it only gives brief details about the plants medicinal properties.
].
The seed is used in the treatment of hangover and dysentery[
218- Title
- Medicinal Plants of China
- Publication
-
- Author
- Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S.
- Publisher
- Reference Publications, Inc.
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 0-917256-20-4
- Description
- Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.
,
222- Title
- A Field Guide to Medicinal Plants. Eastern and Central N. America.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Foster. S. & Duke. J. A.
- Publisher
- Houghton Mifflin Co.
- Year
- 1990
- ISBN
- 0395467225
- Description
- A concise book dealing with almost 500 species. A line drawing of each plant is included plus colour photographs of about 100 species. Very good as a field guide, it only gives brief details about the plants medicinal properties.
].
The leaves are styptic[
218- Title
- Medicinal Plants of China
- Publication
-
- Author
- Duke. J. A. and Ayensu. E. S.
- Publisher
- Reference Publications, Inc.
- Year
- 1985
- ISBN
- 0-917256-20-4
- Description
- Details of over 1,200 medicinal plants of China and brief details of their uses. Often includes an analysis, or at least a list of constituents. Heavy going if you are not into the subject.
].
Agroforestry Uses:
The plant can be used as a ground cover in a sunny position[
188- Title
- The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers
- Publication
-
- Author
- Brickell. C.
- Publisher
- Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd.
- Year
- 1990
- ISBN
- 0-86318-386-7
- Description
- Excellent range of photographs, some cultivation details but very little information on plant uses.
]. It can also be used to make a quick, temporary screen[
1- Title
- RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956
- Publication
-
- Author
- F. Chittendon.
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press
- Year
- 1951
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
].
Plants are very fast-growing and have an extensive root system which can be 1.8 metres deep. They are used for erosion control and for rebuilding depleted soils[
171- Title
- Economic Botany.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Hill. A. F.
- Publisher
- The Maple Press
- Year
- 1952
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- Not very comprehensive, but it is quite readable and goes into some detail about the plants it does cover.
,
174- Title
- Atlas of Medicinal Plants.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Kariyone. T.
- Publisher
- Nihon Rinshosha; Osaka
- Year
- 1973
- ISBN
-
- Description
- A good Japanese herbal.
]. A member of the Fabaceae, the plant also adds nitrogen to the soil through the actions of root bacteria.
Other Uses
A tough, strong fibre from the stems is used to make ropes, cables, coarse cordage and textiles[
61- Title
- A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Usher. G.
- Publisher
- Constable
- Year
- 1974
- ISBN
- 0094579202
- Description
- Forget the sexist title, this is one of the best books on the subject. Lists a very extensive range of useful plants from around the world with very brief details of the uses. Not for the casual reader.
,
109- Title
- Plantae Wilsonae. Vol 1 - 3
- Publication
-
- Author
- Wilson. E. H.
- Website
- http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org
- Publisher
- University Press; Cambridge.
- Year
- 1911 - 1917
- ISBN
-
- Description
- Details of the palnts collected by the plant collector E. H. Wilson on his travels in China. Gives some habitats. Not for the casual reader. It can be downloaded from the internet.
,
151- Title
- Corean Flora.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Wilson. E. H. and Trollope. M. N.
- Publisher
- Royal Asiatic Society
- Year
- 1918
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- A very small handbook, it does give a little bit of information on Korean plants.
,
169- Title
- A Weavers Garden
- Publication
-
- Author
- Buchanan. R.
- Publisher
- McGraw-Hill Contemporary
- Year
- 1987
- ISBN
- 0934026289
- Description
- Covers all aspects of growing your own clothes, from fibre plants to dyes.
,
189- Title
- Plant Fibres for Papermaking.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Bell. L. A.
- Publisher
- Liliaceae Press
- Year
- 1988
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- A good practical section on how to make paper on a small scale plus details of about 75 species (quite a few of them tropical) that can be used.
]. The fibre is 2 - 3mm long and can be used to make paper. Straight first year stems, 2 - 2.7 metres long, are harvested in mid summer, the leaves are removed and the stems steamed until the fibres can be stripped. The fibres are then cooked for 2 hours with lye, tough vines might require 4 hours cooking, and the fibre put in a ball mill for 3 hours. The resulting paper is greenish/cream in colour[
189- Title
- Plant Fibres for Papermaking.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Bell. L. A.
- Publisher
- Liliaceae Press
- Year
- 1988
- ISBN
- -
- Description
- A good practical section on how to make paper on a small scale plus details of about 75 species (quite a few of them tropical) that can be used.
].
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[
200- Title
- The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
- Publication
-
- Author
- Huxley. A.
- Publisher
- MacMillan Press
- Year
- 1992
- ISBN
- 0-333-47494-5
- Description
- Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
]. Cover the young plants with a frame or cloche until they are growing away well.
Division of young shoots from the crown. The young shoots are removed in the spring with some of the underground part of the stem, preferably with some roots already formed. They are potted up and will usually develop new roots from the nodes. They are planted out in the summer if growth is sufficient, otherwise they are grown on in pots for a year and planted out late the following spring.