Neustanthus is a monotypic genus of flowering plants belonging to the pea family Fabaceae and its tribe Phaseoleae. The only species is Neustanthus phaseoloides, called tropical kudzu. This species is a forage crop and cover crop used in the tropics. It is known as puero in Australia and tropical kudzu in most tropical regions. It is related to the genus Pueraria and artificial hybridization with P. montana var. lobata has been achieved. Prior to 2016, the accepted name was Pueraria phaseoloides.
Tropical kudzu is fairly resistant to disease and generally does not get sick easily. However, it can be vulnerable to pests and illnesses present in its surroundings. These problems are typically not serious. In terms of care, the plant needs moderate maintenance. It should be pruned regularly to preserve a tidy appearance and encourage healthy growth. Fertilizing can also help stimulate flowering. Tropical kudzu is well suited for anyone with outdoor space, like a garden or patio, and does not require extensive horticultural experience. It may need more attention when grown indoors.
How to keep Neustanthus Phaseoloides.
Light
Tropical kudzu prospers in places with uninterrupted, all-day sunlight. Although it can tolerate situations with some shading, its foliage may be less dense. Native to tropical areas, it is adapted to locations with plentiful light, which is vital for its growth and vigor. If given too little or too much light, it can develop sunburn or show reduced growth.
Temperature
Tropical kudzu is native to tropical climates and grows best at temperatures between 68 to 100 °F (20 to 38 ℃). Seasonal adjustments may be necessary to keep the plant within this temperature range.
Fertilizer
Tropical kudzu needs the most fertilizer during its active growth period, primarily in spring, summer, and early fall. Fertilization provides essential nutrients that the soil might lack, encouraging healthy root and stem growth and maintaining the attractive foliage that is a key characteristic of this plant.
Botanical profile.
- Plant Type
- Herb, Vine
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Neustanthus
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 10-12
- Mature Height
- 6.1 m to 18.29 m
- Mature Spread
- 2.13 m to 4.88 m
- Leaf Color
- Dark Green, Forest Green
- Leaf Type
- Semi-evergreen
- Flower Color
- Lavender
- Flower Size
- 2.54 cm
- Bloom Time
- Summer, Early fall, Mid fall
- Planting Time
- Spring
- Harvest Time
- Late summer, Fall, Early winter
- Native Area
- Nepal, Sri Lanka, Solomon Islands, India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Laos, Brunei, Thailand, China
Other names.
