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Summary
Physical Characteristics
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Pueraria_phaseoloides is a CLIMBER at a fast rate.
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 10. 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 and can tolerate drought.
UK Hardiness Map
US Hardiness Map
Synonyms
Plant Habitats
Edible Uses
The tuberous root can be eaten[105, 177, 183].
References More on Edible Uses
Medicinal Uses
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A poultice of the plant is applied to ulcers and boils, especially in children[240]. A decoction is also used internally[240].
References More on Medicinal Uses
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Other Uses
A forage crop and cover crop used in the tropics. Pueraria phaseoloides shows a high protein content in the seeds (12-20%) with high nutrient, protein (3.8%) and sugar (7.3%) content of the whole fresh plant (green part). Grown as a cover crop (often with Centro and Calopo) in oil palm, rubber and coconut. The main advantages as a cover crop are the comparable high nitrogen accumulation and the improvement of the soil structure due to its deep rooting system. It can be used as a grazed forage crop and as green manure in crop rotations. It can prevent soil erosion. In Africa, it is mainly used as cover crops in plantations whereas in tropical America, Southeast Asia it is used as a forage crop in mixtures and as cover crops.
Special Uses
References More on Other Uses
Cultivation details
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. P. phaseoloides prefers to is grow in ruderal situations, such as plantations of cocoa or banana, at low altitudes (often under 600 metres above sea level) in wet evergreen or monsoon forests. P. phaseoloides is capable of growth in a large soil spectrum. Acid soils are not a problem and the pH tolerance is between 4.3 and 8. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil[200]. 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].
References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information
Temperature Converter
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Plant 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]. Cover the young plants with a frame or cloche until they are growing away well.
Other Names
If available other names are mentioned here
Alan susu, Jermei-kyn-saw, Jermei-soh-gonsoh, Kachang-kachang, Kuzu-ingen, San day, Suloh, Tampong urat, Tua-sian-pah, du da miu.
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Found In
Countries where the plant has been found are listed here if the information is available
Africa, Angola, Asia, Australia, Bangladesh, Belize, Bhutan, Brazil, Burma, Cambodia, Cameroon, Caribbean, Central Africa, Central America, China, East Africa, Ecuador, Fiji, French Guiana, Ghana, Guyana, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Indonesia, Laos, Liberia, Malaysia, Mauritius, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, Nigeria, Niue, Northeastern India, Pacific, Panama, Papua New Guinea, PNG, Peru, Philippines, Reunion, Samoa, SE Asia, Seychelles, Sao Tome & Principe, SE Asia, Sierra Leone, Solomon Islands, South America, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Vietnam, West Africa,
Weed Potential
Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section.
Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.
An invasive species when growing in tropical and subtropical habitats due to its fast growth, its wide seed distribution and its ability to fully cover other plants. P. phaseoloides is one of the most invasive species in the United States.
Conservation Status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status : This taxon has not yet been assessed
Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.
Expert comment
Author
(Roxb.)Benth.
Botanical References
Links / References
For a list of references used on this page please go here
A special thanks to Ken Fern for some of the information used on this page.
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