'Kudzu Jesus' not actually a kudzu

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KINSTON, N.C., July 1 (UPI) -- The "Kudzu Jesus," a Christ-shaped vine on a North Carolina utility pole, is not actually a kudzu but rather a trumpet vine, an expert said.

Lonnie Blizzard of Kinston, who examined the image Wednesday, said the vine on the pole, alongside U.S. 258 South about one mile south of the city, is a trumpet vine rather than the kudzu it was named for by locals, the Kinston Free Press reported Thursday.

The vine was dubbed the "Kudzu Jesus" after many locals said the image it creates on the utility pole resembles Jesus on the crucifix.

"I just thought it was my imagination," said Kent Hardison, who runs Ma's Hotdog House near the pole. "I thought I was crazy the first time I saw it and it resembled Jesus."