Pueraria montana Seeds | Kudzu Root Slice Lobata
LATIN NAME: Pueraria montana
COMMON NAME: Kudzu Root, Ge Gen, Japanese Arrowroot
Plant Profile
Kudzu Root (Pueraria montana) grows as a vigorous, climbing, deciduous vine in the pea family, native to warm regions of east Asia, while it has been introduced widely. Given room and time, it reaches roughly Thirty metres. Plants that offer this much while asking this little are rare enough to treasure.
Science & Biotechnology
Kudzu root (ge gen) is standardised on the isoflavone puerarin, its dominant C-glycoside. Puerarin injections are licensed in China for cardiovascular indications, and laboratory work supports vasodilatory and anti-ischaemic actions. The most intriguing Western research concerns alcohol: Harvard-affiliated trials found that kudzu extract reduced the amount and speed of alcohol consumption in heavy drinkers in a laboratory setting, an effect attributed to its isoflavones, though larger trials are needed. The vine itself — ‘the plant that ate the South’ — needs no introduction to American gardeners, who should grow it only with firm containment.
Within the pea family, Pueraria montana is of continuing interest to researchers working on plant diversity, seed biology and the selection of improved garden forms. Kudzu root has a real and distinguished place in research. Little about its garden performance is mysterious; it has been grown and observed for a very long time.
Uses & Benefits
Kudzu Root works well in borders, containers and dedicated beds. Ecologically, kudzu is a vigorous vine of warm forest edges and the roadsides. Its rapid growth can smother trees and undergrowth, and its nitrogen-fixing roots alter chemistry of soil, while it provides a dense cover for small creatures but can also overwhelm native vegetation. To raise kudzu, sow seeds in pots of moist, open soil in a warm, sunny place, keep them gently watered, and grow little vines on with strong support. Getting it going is easy; keeping it going is easier still.
Kudzu root, Ge Gen, is a major Chinese herb for thirst, neck tension and fever, and its isoflavone puerarin is extensively studied for cardiovascular and alcohol-metabolism effects; in the kitchen it yields a fine thickening starch.
Growing from Seed
Starting Kudzu Root from seed is simple and satisfying. Sow the seeds evenly over the surface and cover lightly in a loose, well-drained seed compost, keep the sowing evenly moist, and give the pot or tray bright light. Once the seedlings have made true leaves, pot them on individually and plant out when they are sturdy and conditions are right.
Our Take
Kudzu Root repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
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