The Two Features of Japanese Knotweed: A Useful Or A Destructive Weed?

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

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

There are several applications for Japanese knotweed.  Beekeepers value the plant as it is an essential supplier of nectar for honeybees during a certain time of the year when there is little flowering.  It creates monofloral honey, which is likewise called as bamboo honey.  Moreover, the plant’s new stems are edible, which taste like mild rhubarb.  It is a great source of vitamin C, vitamin A, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc.

Another known application of the plant is that it is a source of resveratol, the same substance seen in the red wine and skin of grapes.  The compound helps lower bad cholesterol, hence cutting down the possibility of heart attacks.  Another useful compound obtained from this plant is emodin, which helps normalize bowel movement.  Likewise, the plant is in particular useful owing to its capacity to stay alive at whatever time of the year and in harsh conditions.

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

It is considered as one of the world’s one hundred worst invasive species.  It is deemed as a grave threat to builders, land developers, and gardeners.  Moreover, the harms it might cause consist of damage to roads, pavements, drains, walls, and even buildings.  It may also take over river banks, therefore preventing entry to rivers.  Another Japanese knotweed problem is that it grows 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 harm that this kinds of plant can cause, the UK for example has created the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.  The Act bans its spread in the wild.

The Japanese knotweed, certainly, has two aspects. It is an advantage and a problem at the same time. And, it cannot be immediately disregarded as a good or a harmful weed all together.