Botanical Name: Pueraria tuberosa
Family: Fabaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Fabales
Genus: Pueraria
Species: P. tuberosa
Synonyms: Hedysarum tuberosum Willd
Common Names: Indian kudzu, or Nepalese kudzu, Vidarikand, Sanskrit: Bhukushmandi
Habitat: Pueraria tuberosa is native to India, Pakistan, and Nepal. It grows on shrubberies and streamsides, 300 – 2000 metres.
Description:
Pueraria tuberosa is a climbing, coiling and trailing vine with large tuberous roots. The tubers are globose or pot-like, about 25 centimetres (9.8 in) across and the insides are white, starchy and mildly sweet. Leaves are trifoliate and alternate, while the leaflets are egg-shaped, with round base and unequal sides. They are 18 cm (7.1 in) long and 16 cm (6.3 in) wide and are hairless above. Flowers are bisexual, around 1.5 cm (0.59 in) across and blue or purplish-blue in color. The fruit pods are linear, about 2–5 cm (0.79–1.97 in) long and constricted densely between the seeds. They have silky, bristly reddish-brown hair. Seeds vary from 3 to 6 in number.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Cultivation:
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.. Requires a sunny position in a well-drained soil. 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.
Edible Uses: Roots are eaten raw. Very large, it is up to 50cm long and 30cm in diameter. A liquorice flavour
Medicinal Uses:
The root is used as a demulcent and refrigerant in the treatment of fevers. It is peeled and bruised into a cataplasm and used to reduce swellings. It is crushed and rubbed on the body in the treatment of fevers and rheumatism. It is also emetic, galactogogue and tonic.
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pueraria_tuberosa
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Pueraria+tuberosa
