Tropical kudzu (Pueraria pseudohirsuta)

Family: Fabaceae or Leguminosae | Edibility: Edible (3/5)

Pueraria pseudohirsuta is a CLIMBER. 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.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Roots/Tubers

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Spring, Winter

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Rich in starch. — The starch in the root can be extracted and used as a crispy coating in deep fried foods, or for thickening soups etc.; It can also be made into noodles, or like agar or gelatine is used as a gelling agent for salads.

Habitat & North American Range

Hillsides and roadsides. (Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, Zone 8)