Green kudzu has invaded the country’s roadsides, suffocating anything green in it’s path, but it seems that’s not the only problem its causing. Researchers for the University of Virginia have concluded that the leafy green kudzu creates a significant amount of ground-level ozone which not only increases smog and respiratory problems but also hurries up global warming. While many plants produce small some ozone, the green parasite, kudzu, seems to be the leader in production making ground-level ozone faster.
A Japanese and Chinese native, Kudzo was introduced to the US as a decorative plant in 1876. By the 1930’s and 40’s the green plant was planted everywhere to prevent soil erosion. The mistake was realized in 53 when it became an unwanted plant, but of course it was too late at that point. One of the most invasive plants today, kudzu grows about 60 feet per season and up to one foot a day.
