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The Two Aspects of The Invasive Japanese Knotweed: A Good Or A Bad Weed?
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With a scientific term of Fallopia japonica, the invasive Japanese Knotweed is a nonwoody plant that is native to eastern Asia, particularly in Japan, China, and Korea. It has empty stems with distinct nodules, making it appear like a bamboo, even if the two plants are not directly associated.
Although the most often used scientific name of the plant nowadays is Fallopia japonica, it is also called in other scientific terms: 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 the following elephant ears, donkey rhubarb, fleeceflower, Himalayan fleece vine, Hancock’s curse, and pea shooters.
There are many uses for Japanese Knotweed. Beekeepers value the plant as it is a vital supplier of nectar for honeybees at some stage in the year when there is little blossoming. It creates monofloral honey, which is also called as bamboo honey. Moreover, the plant’s young stems are safe to eat, which taste like mild rhubarb. It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.
Another proven use of the plant is that it is an origin of resveratol, the same substance seen in the skin of grapes and red wine. The substance helps reduce bad cholesterol, thus cutting down the risk of heart attacks. One more useful substance obtained from this plant is emodin, which helps normalize bowel motility. Likewise, the plant is in particular valuable owing to its ability to survive at any time of the year and in severe conditions.
However, as much as Japanese Knotweed has a lot of uses, it is regarded as horrible plant especially in Europe and in North America. In the 19th century, the plant was introduced to Europe and the United States, and it was used to give food to animals, as an ornamental 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 100 worst invasive species. It is considered as a grave threat to builders, land developers, and gardeners. Moreover, the harms it may cause include damage to roads, pavements, drains, walls, and even buildings. It may also take over river banks, therefore preventing passage to rivers. One more Japanese Knotweed problem is that it grows easily and quickly. 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 harm that this kinds of plant can bring, the UK for instance has come up with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. The Act prohibits its spread in the wild.
The Japanese Knotweed, certainly, has two sides. It is an advantage as well as a problem at the same time. And, it cannot be instantly ignored as a useful or a bad weed at the same time.
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