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Pueraria phaseoloides

Species category

Weed

Common name

tropical kudzu

Diagnostic characters

Planting unit

True seedTrue seed:
A mature fertilized ovule consisting of an embryo, with or without and external food reserve (e.g., endosperm) enclosed by the testa.

Shape

Cubical 

Size

  • Length 3–3.2 mm 
  • Width 2.2–3 mm 
  • Thickness 2–2.2 mm 

Color

Brown with white hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).

Texture

Matted, dull to rough

Other structures

HilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 has a white collar.

Identification notes

Seeds are rounded cubes with a dull brown surface. White collar around the hilumHilum:
The scar on the seed coat at the place of its detachment from the seed stalk (funiculus).
 is conspicuous.

Noxious weed seed categories

State Noxious Weed: Hawaii

AOSA examination list

Not included

Nomenclature

Family

Fabaceae

Valid name

Pueraria phaseoloides (Roxb.) Benth.

Synonyms

Dolichos phaseoloides Roxb.
Neustanthus phaseoloides (Roxb.) Benth.

Pueraria phaseoloides. Seeds with a white collar around the hilum. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.
Pueraria phaseoloides. Seeds with a white collar around the hilum. Photo courtesy of Colorado State University, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.