Weed Index Result

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Family

Fabaceae

Origin

Native of Asia

Common Name

Kudzu vine

Botanical Name

Pueraria montana var.lobata

      

Photo source: Walter Stahel Environment Bay of Plenty

 

Identification

Trailing or climbing semi-woody perennial vine, 10-30 m long, from tuberous roots which can weigh many kilograms and reaching up to 5 m deep. Leaves are alternate, 3-leaflet, with leaflets 80-180 mm long and 60-200 mm wide and usually slightly lobed with hairy margins. Foliage drops when first frosts appear. Flowers are reddish- purple, fragrant, about 13 mm long and are produced in long spike-like racemes and resemble pea flowers in shape.

Kudzu vine has been recorded at four sites in the Bay of Plenty Region. On at least one of these sites Kudzu vine was planted believing it to be Snail vine, Vigna caracalla.

Habitats

Temperate regions and can be found growing in almost all types of environment, but not in areas that are periodically flooded. Bush/ forest/ scrubland and disturbed areas are preferred habitats.

Impact to Biota and Ecosystems

An aggressively growing vine with rapid growth (can grow 18-20 m in a year) which forms a continuous blanket of foliage. These dense infestations cover the ground and trees and chokes out all the native vegetation.

Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources

Can be spread by translocation on machinery/ equipment and vehicles. Humans taking cuttings.

Management

 

Physical Control

Use spade to remove entire plant, including the taproot. Because roots can exceed 1.8 m, eradication by this method is very difficult and should only be considered for small initial incursions. Vines and runners chopped just above ground level and the pieces destroyed. Cutting does not kill the roots and is only used to control the spread of the plant.

Disposal

Removed vegetation should be destroyed by burning or placed in bags to rot down.

Chemical Control

When stems have been cut above ground level immediately apply Tordon Brushkiller to the stump at a rate of 10 ml/litre of water. Alternatively, apply Vigilant gel to stumps.

Overall spray with Tordon Brushkiller at a rate of 50 ml/10 litres of water plus 10 ml/litre of Pulse or Boost penetrant.

Biological Control

 

Recommended Approach

 

Further Comment

This plant is prohibited from propagation, sale and distribution within the Bay of Plenty