Japanese knotweed

The lack of diversity in the vegetation here testifies to a disturbed and excessively enriched environment where less demanding plants like nettles and especially the problematic Japanese knotweed take a prominent place. As the name suggests, this plant is of 'exotic' origin. It originally comes from East Asia and was imported to Europe from the ^19th century to adorn parks and gardens. However, it is more the so-called 'invasive' character that worries nature researchers. Its very rapid development literally suffocates that of the native vegetation, robbing it of space and light. The hollow reddish bamboo-like stems can reach heights of up to 3 meters. These die off in winter, leaving only buds on the ground. Yet, there is a positive aspect: the lovely small white flowers that appear in September and October provide nectar to insects at a time of year when flowers are scarce. If it is ruthlessly controlled in our regions, this herbaceous plant, on the other hand, is cultivated in Asia for the benefits it offers. Young shoots and leaves are eaten raw or cooked there, and the rhizomes are staple ingredients in the Japanese and Chinese pharmacopeia.

Coördinatie Zenne-Coordination Senne