The Japanese Knotweed

The Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica, synonym: Polygonum cuspidatum) is a species of knotweed family (Polygonaceae). The species is native to Japan, but the plant does locally in the Netherlands are also very good. Usually in a local area a large amount of these species to be found, and the further region is not. The plant by the IUCN as one of the 100 worst invasive species in the world. The Japanese knotweed, the polyphenol resveratrol isolated.

Japanese knotweed is a deep-rooted perennial, which consists of a long hollow stalk of 0.5 to 3 m long and branches 5-12 cm with large leaves on it. The plant is sturdy rhizomes. In winter the plant dies off above ground. The stem is made of hollow spheres, such as bamboo. On the border between these two is a knot which has a branch and a leaf. The branches are further subdivided in this way. The wall of the stem consists of two parts. A thick portion that is green and the strength allows, and a transparent membrane with red spots. Together, the stem will then green with red spots. The plant blooms in August and September with cream white, sometimes pinkish-white, flowers. The seed sources are reddish and have a membranous wing or zoom to the fruits.

The Japanese knotweed grows in rich moist soil food groups (such as along streams and riverbanks) and is preferably in full sun (shade although well tolerated). Thus the plant in the High Fens a rampant invasive species.

In the garden it is easy to clone: cut a piece of stem of 10 cm and 6.5 cm for stopping in the ground. With proper care is very likely that this is a new plant develops. The plant is very rampant, and once it is established, virtually indestructible.

In March April and shoot the stems relatively quickly from the floor between the withering stalks of the year and develop lichgtroene leaves at regular heights on the stem. The stem is quite flexible in the beginning, although he soon thicken, and gets some red speckles. The plants grow to at least 1 m high, without support from other plants or fencing or something similar.



Source: http://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Japanse_duizendknoop


See also: International Flower Delivery, Florist