permaculture

["Charland, Stacy (NIGMS)" <CHARLANS@nigms.nih.gov>]

        Jonathan wrote:
            Does anyone know what kudzu's flexibility and strength are like? 
My
        guide said that only three-year and older vines are used, as they
maintain their
        flexibility and strength without rotting like green ones do.


Hi Jonathan;

I spent a good bit of time trying to tame some kudzu in my backyard when I 
lived
in North Carolina (before my interest in Permaculture).  I seem to recall that
the vines where quite sturdy, thick and flexible.  I agree that the older 
vines
are pretty tough.
I also hear that kudzu is edible and makes good forage for livestock.  A goat
probably would have quickly turned my problem into an asset!   

The story is told of the Northern fellow that went down South (USA) and was
admiring the pretty kudzu vines.  He asked a local the best way to cultivate 
the
plant, since he wanted to grow some in his garden.  The local's response: 
"Well,
near as I can figure, you throw some on the ground and run like heck!".  Kudzu
CAN be very rampant, but I understand it is grown as a crop in Japan?

Stacy Charland
Stacy_Charland@nih.gov
Poolesville, Maryland USA