Tropical Kudzu
Neustanthus phaseoloides
- Native to:
- Andaman Is., Bangladesh, Bismarck Archipelago, Borneo, Cambodia, China, India, Jawa, Laos, Malaya, Maluku, Myanmar, Nepal, New Guinea, Nicobar Is., Philippines, Solomon Is., Sri Lanka, Sulawesi, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
Jeevan Jose, Kerala, India
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Fabaceae
- Genus:
- Neustanthus
- Species:
- Neustanthus phaseoloides
- USDA Symbol:
- PUPH2
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb , Vine
- Height:
- 600 cm
- Drought Tolerance:
- Low
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- purple, violet
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Wildlife Benefits
- Bees:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented bee visitation (GBIF)
- Butterflies & Moths:
- ★☆☆☆☆ Documented Lepidoptera association (GBIF)
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Fire Ecology:
- Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire
- Fire Notes:
- Resprouts vigorously from root crown following fire or cutting.
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- fertile, well-drained loamy soil
- pH:
- 4.5 - 6.5 (acidic to slightly acidic)
- Drainage:
- good drainage required
- Moisture:
- consistently moist
- Notes:
- prefers humid tropical environments
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- None required
- Scarification:
- Seed coat scarification required before sowing
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Scarification of hard seed coat improves germination. Seeds may also benefit from hot water treatment.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI