Forum Topic

Japanese Knotweed

Was quite shocked to watch "Inside Out" on BBC1 last Monday where there was a feature on the menace that is Japanese Knotweed (BBC iPlayer link below - it's the first topic on the programme).This is indeed a scary plant which can seemingly lie dormant for years and then sprout and will go through concrete and brick without any problems and can cause serious structural damage. Also, appears it's costly to get rid of too.Was not aware of this plant - I am of Japanese Hogweek which is prevalent around the River Brent at certain times of the year. Keep an eye out for this menace folks!Found an article on the Ealing Concil Website (link: http://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/510/allotments/625/your_allotment/11) and apparently Ealing Council are spraying for it regularly where they confirm it's found at Carbery, Cleveley Crescent, Horsenden, Stanhope Park and Village Park allotments.http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03c7n9g/Inside_Out_London_07_10_2013/

Bud Richards ● 4585d1 Comments

Japanese Knotweed is edible. The young shoots can be eaten like asparagus and it can be used in salads and soup. Its roots are a much more concentrated source of Resveratrol than red grapes (the active stuff in red grape extract, red wine, etc) and the Chinese grow it by the thousand acres to manufacture really expensive Resveratrol extract which is associated with anti-aging, anti-heart disease etc., properties.

Keith Slater ● 4584d