Pueraria javanica

الوصف

PUERARIA PHASEOLOIDES Origin:
Pueraria phaseoloides is native to Malaysia, although it is widely distributed throughout the world in the wet tropics.
 
Uses:
Pueraria phaseoloides is often used as a nitrogen-fixing green manure or grown as a cover crop in coffee, oil palm, citrus, and rubber plantations. Pueraria phaseoloides leaves and stems are rich in protein (about *9%) and palatable to livestock and so are used widely as animal fodder. It may also be used as a pasture crop when grown with a suitable grass such as Guines grass (Panicum maxima). The very deep and extensive root system not only provides edible tubers, but also helps minimize soil erosion. The plant's rapid growth also helps suppress weeds and protect the soil from rapid run of water. The stem contains exceptionally strong fibers which are used in rope-making. Pueraria phaseoloides is also reported to be a trap crop for Striga gesnerioides; it stimulates high germination of the Striga without bearing a host.
 
Cultivation:
Pueraria phaseoloides is an exceptionally vigorous legume with runners up to *5 feet (**9 meters) long. Propagation is either by seed or cutting, but seed must scarified in hot water before planting. Seeding will grow somewhat slowly (though much faster than other cover crops) for the first 3 to 4 months. Growth is very vigorous once established. Complete establishment and use as a ground cover will require several years of growth. Pueraria phaseoloides is best adapted to hot and wet conditions. It thrives in areas with an annual rainfall in excess of ***5 mm (*0 in). Pueraria phaseoloides tolerate high water content in the soil - even occasional water logging — but also grows well the dry season, producing an abundance of pods and flowers. It is also tolerant of acid soil and shade.