Fabaceae

Pueraria lobata

Common Names: Kudzu

Plant Form: Scambling or climbing herb. Size: Climbing up to 30 m high. Stem: Covered in dense rusty hairs but becoming almost hairless with age. Leaves: Divided into 3 egg-shaped to diamond-shaped leaflets which taper to a sharp point, each leaflet has 2 lobes except the terminal leaflet which has 3. Flowers: Elongated 5-35 cm long clusters of purple, violet or pink flowers with a large yellow or orange spot at base, which are 12-20 mm long and in groups of 3. Fruit and Seeds: Flattened pod 4-13 cm long with rusty hairs, which splits on two sides, releasing 8-15 seeds. Habitat: Riparian areas, forests, rainforest, roadsides, waste areas. Distinguishing Features: Can be similar to Blue morning glory (Ipomoea indica), but has larger leaves and clusters of flowers. Impacts: Grows vigorously and smothers and kills native vegetation and crops. Drastically reduces biodiversity. Limits human/stock movement.