A perennial vine legume, capable of rapid growth in a warm temperate, humid subtropical climate. The name kudzu has a Japanese origin. Kudzu (Pueraria thunbergiana) was introduced into the United States in 1876 and used as a shade plant until 1906, when a few enthusiastic growers in the southeastern United States began to use it as a forage crop, a practice that continued for 30 years. It was then promoted as a soil-conserving plant. However, much prejudice developed against its use because of its spread into forest borders, drainage ditches, and other areas.