A Benefit Or A Burden: The Two Aspects of Japanese Knotweed

With a scientific name of Fallopia japonica, Japanese knotweed is a nonwoody plant that is local to eastern Asia, specifically in China, Japan, and Korea.  It has empty stems with distinct nodules, making it look like a bamboo, even if the two plants are not directly related.

Even if the most frequently 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 assigned in 1777 by a Dutch botanist.  Furthermore, its other English names include the following donkey rhubarb, elephant ears, fleeceflower, Hancock’s curse, Himalayan fleece vine, and pea shooters.

There are different applications for Japanese knotweed.  Beekeepers give importance to the plant as it is a significant supplier of nectar for honeybees at some stage in the year when there is little flowering.  It produces monofloral honey, which is also known as bamboo honey.  Also, the plant’s new stems are fit to be eaten, which taste like mild rhubarb.  It is a good 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 skin of grapes and red wine.  The compound allows to lessen bad cholesterol, thus cutting down the possibility of heart attacks.  One more useful substance taken from this plant is emodin, which helps regulate bowel movement.  Likewise, the plant is in particular valuable because of its ability to stay alive at whatever time of the year and in harsh situation.

However, as much as Japanese knotweed has many applications, it is regarded as an invasive plant particularly in Europe and in North America.  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 prevent soil erosion.  The plant has been discovered to be a burden, nevertheless.

It is deemed 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 problems it may cause include mutilation to roads, pavements, drains, walls, and even buildings.  It may likewise occupy river banks, therefore preventing entry to rivers.  One more Japanese knotweed problem is that it grows quickly and easily.  It can expand from small parts of root cuttings, and it can develop to three to four inches a day.  Because of the damage that this species of plant can bring, the UK for example has come up with the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.  The Act forbids its growth in the wild.

The Japanese knotweed, definitely, has two qualities. It is an advantage and a problem all at once. And, it cannot be instantly ignored as a useful or a harmful weed all together.