ABSTRACT
Pueraria lobata is supposed to be native to China or Japan region of eastern Asia, where it is still cultivated for the edible roots. Japanese arrowroot, also known as kudzu, kudzu vine, arrowroot vine, Fen-ko in China and Gmadhi hulu and Kudazinila teigi in India, is regarded first and foremost as a multipurpose perennial crop, being especially valuable in soil conservation because of its deep and strong root system and heavy ground cover; however, it is also grown as a protein-rich forage or green manure crop. The root tubers of Japanese arrowroot can be used either in fresh or dried form after cooking in a manner similar to other root crops. Japanese arrowroot plant foliage is also a palatable fodder for farm cattle in the form of hay, pasture or silage, especially in the off season. Japanese arrowroot can grow under less favourable soil conditions but not on very poor sandy or poorly drained heavy clay soils.
