Killer Kudzu Devours the South

An invincible plague is ravaging the South and there is no stopping it. It covers the landscape, killing any and all vegetation in its path. Sadly, there is no way to stop the horrifying epidemic, the invasion of Kudzu has already begun.

Kudzu is the green eyesore that has taken over homes, trees, fences, basketball goals, ditches, bluffs and basically anything in the south that can be clinged to. This vile vine can grow as much as one foot a day, and once it sets its roots into the ground, it's nearly impossible to get rid of. Many a failed attempts have shown the only effective method of eliminating this minus, is a complete incineration. However, even if ashes are all that remain, thats not to say it wouldn't return later on, possibly even the next spring or summer.

Kudzu was introduced to the U.S. by Japan in 1876 to prevent soil erosion. When the vine was first grown in Georgia, people thought it would help the land while also providing food for animals. Hardly anytime had passed before the Kudzu began to thrive, spreading uncontrollably in the South's ideal sub-tropical climate.

Now, in effort to make use of the mass quantity of the vine, people are trying to find ways it could benefit the very world it is slowly but surely engulfing. Some Kudzu entrepreneurs are using it to make baskets, food, and even medicine. Researchers have now discovered that Kudzu can help recovering alcoholics with the process of overcoming addiction. The Kudzu is administered as a pill or a raw root. It can also relieve pain and muscle spasms, lower blood sugar, and increase blood circulation. Research has also shown it can be used to treat some inflammatory skin conditions.

With such an abundance of Kudzu growing in the South, it was only a matter of time before people started trying to find some way in which the plant could be eaten. Curious Kudzu cooks have created recipes for rolled Kudzu leaves, Kudzu stuffing, Kudzu apple cider, even Kudzu fried chicken.

Maybe Kudzu isn't so bad after all. Maybe this seemingly worthless atrocity does in fact have value. Though it destroys the land, covers our property, and just keeps coming back for more, we do owe it to the vine for having delicious Kudzu blossom jelly. Now if only someone would hurry up and find a way to make gasoline out of it.