ipl-logo

Kudzu Vine Research Paper

1115 Words5 Pages

The Kudzu vine is an extremely belligerent and invasive plant that can grow out of control once established. Kudzu overtakes and covers all plants in its path which results in the elimination of native plant species. It can cover trees and block out the light needed for the photosynthesis process or damage the limbs of the tree with the intense weight of the vines. It also has the capability to leave land worthless for agriculture or forestry. This amazing and terrifying vine covers the South and is spreading throughout the country at an incredible rate. ("The Growing Problem of Kudzu.")

The Kudzu vine, known as the Pueraria montana in scientific terms, is a semi-woody perennial plant. It originated from parts of Asia, primarily from China …show more content…

Kudzu impacts the local flora with intense negative results. The vine has the ability to enclose stems and tree trunks, break branches and even uproot trees and shrubs through the mass vegetation that is being produced. This “invader” of ecosystems is able to spread by both vertical and horizontal means which smothers all the other plants in a thick covering of stems and leaves. This process blocks the light from reaching the plants, causing them to be unable to undergo photosynthesis. There is a very small percentage of plants that can be subjected to such low light conditions. The weight of the Kudzu on plants is enough to stunt growth and even break branches. The accumulation of these effects contribute to the ever decreasing plant diversity in a region that has been overtaken by this highly invasive species. Kudzu is able to outcompete bushes and shrubs; limiting food sources and vital shelter to a number of native fauna. The limitation on plant diversity that Kudzu has caused will eventually limit the animal diversity. The Kudzu problem continues to grow, both literally and figuratively. "The total area infested by Kudzu is larger than the state of Vermont, with the heaviest infestations of Kudzu occurring in Alabama, Georgia, and Mississippi. Although most Kudzu is found in the Southeast, recent sightings have been made as far north as Massachusetts and as far west as Texas and …show more content…

(2016, May 02). Retrieved April 26, 2016, from http://mdc.mo.gov/sites/default/files/resources/2011/06/kudzusheet_06-30-11_0.pdf

Invasive Species: Plants - Kudzu (Pueraria montana var. lobata). (2016, May 02). Retrieved April 26, 2016, from https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/plants/kudzu.shtml

The Growing Problem of Kudzu. (2016, May 02). Retrieved May 02, 2016, from http://kudzusolutions.web.unc.edu/issues/

U. (2007). Kudzu. Retrieved May 02, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iLH1qLCvqSg

The Growing Problem of Kudzu. (n.d.). Retrieved May 02, 2016, from http://kudzusolutions.web.unc.edu/solutions/

Norris, L. (2007). Kudzu Eating Goats. Retrieved May 05, 2016, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4e4uf0WCu4#t=17

Kudzu's invasion into Southern United States life and culture. (n.d.). Retrieved May 02, 2016, from

Show More
Related
1073 Words | 5 Pages

Mammalogy. Adaptation, Diversity, and Ecology. WCB McGraw-Hill, Boston.563pp 4. Myers, P., R. Espinosa, C. S. Parr, T. Jones, G. S. Hammond, and T. A. Dewey. 2017. The Animal Diversity Web (online).

Read More
781 Words | 4 Pages

While the grass holds soil and prevents further erosion its return makes the task of finding and removing unexploded bombs all the more difficult. Kiawe a tree not native to Hawaii, was introduced to Kahoolawe during attempts starting in the 1920 's to use the island for sheep and cattle ranching. (it was brought to hawaii so the kiawe would poke the hawaiians feet when they walk

Read More
1421 Words | 6 Pages

Biology SBI3U-C Unit 5 Lesson 17 Key Questions: 53. Using the shark anatomy picture and the key provided, classify the 10 sharks labelled 1-10 in the diagram below. 1) Rajidae 2) Alopiidae 3)

Read More
825 Words | 4 Pages

In the beginning of the play when the plant makes its debut, it is described as “a feeble little plant growing doggedly” (Hansberry 23). It is not a beautiful plant, but it could win a prize for its tenacity. Its appearance may not match Mama’s, but its will to survive most definitely does. Mama is “full-bodied and strong” (23) with an air similar to that of “the noble bearing of the women of the Hereros of Southwest Africa” (23), which does not parallel the appearance her beloved plant.

Read More
1169 Words | 5 Pages

Predators then eat the animals who eat the plants and each

Read More
449 Words | 2 Pages

Professor Tone-Pah-Hote argues that expressive culture played a central role in redefining Kiowa identity, particularly during the mid-twentieth century. In terms of crisis and resilience, the adaptation and evolution of the expressive culture allowed for Kiowa society to survive, avoiding “collapse.”

Read More
894 Words | 4 Pages

("Crow or Absaroka Tribe”) ("Crow Nation - New World Encyclopedia”) ("Historical Timeline Library @ Little Big Horn College”) The Mountain Crow

Read More
2090 Words | 9 Pages

The Miwok had lived throughout the central Sierra Nevada Mountain Range for thousands of years. Yosemite Valley’s natural resources alone were able to support about 200

Read More
597 Words | 3 Pages

Alien plants include flowers used only for the purpose of landscaping and plants that hail from other regions that are not from the desert. Humans are the ringmasters of furthering the spread of invasive species. 90% of the cause of tortoise decline is obtained from human activity. Nonnative seeds attach to our vehicles, clothes, and pets. Consequently, the seeds fall on native soil and occupy vacant space, preventing native plants to grow properly.

Read More
2173 Words | 9 Pages

The ways in which the Cherokee interact with their environment currently may be different but their values remain strong regardless of opposition. However, the agriculture of the Tennessee Cherokee and the overall mythology of the Cherokee nation will be explored and examined, resulting in a closer

Read More
1750 Words | 7 Pages

Sixty years after the extirpation of wolves in the Northern Rockies and Great Plains of America, biologist and ecologist in Yellowstone National Park reintroduced wolves into a declining ecosystem that once thrived during their presence. The reintroduction brought immense controversy into the West and continues to stir outrage among anti-wolf groups. These anti-wolf supporters argue wolves are ruthless predators that cause destruction to natural environments and livestock. Conversely wolf advocates and scientists suggest that wolves are a keystone species that are essential to the natural regulation of our Western ecosystems. Although pro and anti-wolf advocates can agree that wolves have an effect on livestock, ungulate populations and ecosystems,

Read More
1618 Words | 7 Pages

As international movements increase, risks spread. Some non-native species are not obviously detrimental on introduction, but become so in the future and intensive monitoring is required. Negative invasive species can compete and overcome native species in 6 ways. 1. Competition: Food sources and habitat reduced for native species.

Read More
976 Words | 4 Pages

In Hawaii, feral cats are considered nuisances. Often, they wander into yards and areas they are unwanted, such as parks or yards. They hunt our natural wildlife, especially rare species of native Hawaiian birds. Despite the harm they cause, feral cats are in danger themselves. Putting down these animals is inhumane, yet for the wildlife’s safety and the feral cats’ own, it is imperative for their populations to decline.

Read More
1428 Words | 6 Pages

2005). Invasive plant species that are able to produce fruit when indigenous plant species are either not fruiting or have a limit of fruit available are able to attract more bird species (Gosper et al. 2005). This leads to more bird species eating greater quantities of the invasive plant’s fruit, thus increasing the dispersal at a rapid pace (Gosper et al. 2005). The fruit availability from invasive plants is also increased if the species is used by humans for cultivation (Gosper et al.

Read More
2023 Words | 9 Pages

Introduction Plants are a major necessity in the balance of nature, people’s lives, and our terrain. We may not realize it, but plants are the ultimate source of food for almost 95% of the world population so says the National Group of Food. It’s a fact that over 7,000 species of plants are being consumed today. Plants are one of the reasons that we get clean water; as they help regulate the water cycle.

Read More

More about Kudzu Vine Research Paper

Related Topics

Open Document