The Advantages And The Grave Threats Japanese Knotweed Create

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

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

There are different uses for Japanese knotweed.  Beekeepers value the plant as it is a vital source of nectar for honeybees at some stage in the year when there is little blossoming.  It produces monofloral honey, which is also called as bamboo honey.  Also, the plant’s new stems are safe to eat, which taste like mild rhubarb.  It is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, manganese, potassium, phosphorus, and zinc.

Another proven 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 compound allows to reduce bad cholesterol, hence cutting down the possibility of heart attacks.  Another helpful substance obtained from this plant is emodin, which helps normalize bowel movement.  Moreover, the plant is in particular valuable owing to its capacity to survive at whatever time of the year and in severe situation.

However, as much as Japanese knotweed has many uses, it is deemed as a destructive plant especially in Europe and in North America.  During the 19th century, the plant was introduced to Europe and the United States, and it was used to feed animals, as an decorative plant, and to stop soil erosion.  The plant has been found to be a liability, though.

It is deemed as one of the world’s 100 worst invasive species.  It is considered as a serious threat to builders, land developers, and gardeners.  Moreover, the problems it might cause consist of mutilation to pavements, roads, drains, walls, and even buildings.  It may also inhabit river banks, thus preventing passage to rivers.  Another Japanese knotweed problem is that it spreads quickly and easily.  It can spread from small pieces of root cuttings, and it can develop 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 bans its growth in the wild.

The Japanese knotweed, certainly, has two qualities. It is an asset and a burden at the same time. And, it cannot be instantly disregarded as a useful or a harmful weed at the same time.