With a scientific name of Fallopia japonica, Japanese knotweed is a herbaceous plant that is native to eastern Asia, particularly in China, Japan, and Korea.  It has hollow stems with distinct nodules, making it look like a bamboo, although the two plants are not closely associated.

Even if the most often used scientific name of the plant nowadays is Fallopia japonica, it is also known in other scientific names: Polygonum cuspidatum and Reynoutria japonica.  The latter is its oldest name, which was given in 1777 by a Dutch botanist.  Furthermore, its other English names include elephant ears, donkey rhubarb, fleeceflower, Himalayan fleece vine, Hancock’s curse, and pea shooters.

There are many applications for Japanese knotweed.  Beekeepers value the plant as it is a significant supplier of nectar for honeybees during a certain time of the year when there is little flowering.  It produces monofloral honey, which is also called as bamboo honey.  Moreover, the plant’s young stems are safe to eat, which taste similar to mild rhubarb.  It is a great source of vitamin A, vitamin C, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

Another known application of the plant is that it is an origin of resveratol, the same substance found in the red wine and skin of grapes.  The substance helps lower bad cholesterol, hence lowering the possibility of heart attacks.  One more helpful compound obtained from this plant is emodin, which helps normalize bowel motility.  Likewise, the plant is in particular useful because of its capacity to stay alive at whatever time of the year and in severe situation.

However, in so far as Japanese knotweed has many uses, it is considered as horrible plant particularly in North America and in Europe.  During the 19th century, the plant was brought to Europe and the United States, and it was used to give food to animals, as an decorative plant, and to stop soil erosion.  The plant has been discovered to be a problem, nevertheless.

It is regarded as one of the world’s one hundred most horrible invasive species.  It is considered as a serious threat to land developers, builders, and gardeners.  Moreover, the problems it might cause include mutilation to pavements, roads, drains, walls, and even buildings.  It may also occupy river banks, therefore preventing entry to rivers.  Another Japanese knotweed problem is that it spreads quickly and easily.  It can expand from small parts of root cuttings, and it can grow to three to four inches a day.  As a result of the damage that this kinds of plant can cause, the UK for instance has created the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.  The Act prohibits its growth in the wild.

The Japanese knotweed, definitely, has two qualities. It is a benefit and a burden all at once. And, it cannot be immediately disregarded as a good or a bad weed at the same time.

Tags: garden, Japanese Knotweed, Japanese Knotweed Solutions, Japanese Knotweeds, Knotweeds, plant, weeds