Also known in other names like monkeyweed, elephant ears, fleeceflower, pea shooters, and Himalayan fleece vine, Japanese knotweed is a nonwoody perennial plant that is a member of the species of Polygonaceae.  It is native to lands in eastern Asia like Japan, China, and Korea.

The plant is known to have a lot of uses.  These include being a great origin of vitamins and minerals such as the vitamins A and C, phosphorous, potassium, manganese, and zinc.  It is likewise known to be an origin of reservatol, a substance that helps lessen LDL or bad cholesterol and hinder the inception of Alzheimer’s disease. 

Despite its uses, however, why is it that attempts are made to eliminate the Japanese knotweed? 

This can be passed on to the real habitat of the plant, which is of volcanic and harsh conditions.  It was then introduced to the United States and Europe in the 19th century and it was used as decorative plants and likewise to prevent soil erosion.  But, what was supposed to be a useful plant has been established to be actually destructive.  Besides, laws have been applied relating to this infamous plant genus.  These include the Wildlife and Countryside Act (as amended) 1981, The Environmental Protection Act 1990, The Environmental Protection (Duty of Care) Regulations 1991, and the Third party litigation, where payment can be required from someone that allows the plant to thrive onto other land properties.

The World Conservation Union has chosen Japanese knotweed as one of the world’s 100 most horrible plants.  And, the group has all the reasons to do so.  Once it is introduced to a specific place or property, getting rid of it can be such a complicated job.  It reproduces through small pieces of stem and root cuttings.  This indicates that if you get to dump just a tiny part of the roots underground that part can continue to grow as a new plant.

Furthermore, this plant has the power to grow through drains, walls, and even solid walls.  Apparently, it can cause a great deal of damage to properties.  Land value has a tendency to decrease when a particular ground is occupied by this invasive plant.  It likewise causes troubles to gardeners as it can invade the garden and prevent other plants from breeding.

It is then no surprise why a lot of individuals invest on the removal of Japanese knotweed.  But, proper caution should be exercised when trying to eliminate the plant.  Rather than eradicating it, you may be helping its propagation.  To make certain that you do not do this, ask for recommendations from experts or obtain the assistance of a company that narrows down on the correct removal of the invasive plant.

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