Japanese knotweed is said to be spreading in a seaside town where locals fear it could affect the value of their homes. An “extensive” patch of the invasive plant species was spotted in the Hoe area of Plymouth, Devon.
Local, Martin Moore said the knotweed was at an area of “outstanding natural beauty” near the city’s Corinthian cafe. He said: “It is a prolific invasive species and takes over the natural habitat as it’s doing at the Hoe.”
Mr Moore told the Plymouth Herald the plant could devalue property and needed to be eradicated by professionals. He said the case had been reported to the local council a few weeks ago.
A clump-forming herbaceous perennial, japanese knotweed was brought to the UK as an ornamental garden plant, but it is now an invasive weed subject to legal controls.
It can grow in most soil conditions and man-made habitats such as roadsides, on waste ground and along railway embankments.
Mortgage applications and the purchase and sale of properties can by affected by the weed, according to the Royal Horticultural Society.
The plant can damage the environment and it is an offence to cause its spread in the wild. Anyone with concerns about it on their property should contact the Environment Agency.
Shoots emerge in spring and grow into bamboo-like stems, with reddish-purple speckles, nodes and hollow middles. They can grow as tall as 6.5ft (two metres).
Plymouth is the worst affected part of Devon for Japanese knotweek, the Herald reports. A Swansea University study found that across the UK the invasive species has cost over £165million per year to manage.
Mr Moore said in Japan the plant is a delicacy, which can be grilled like asparagus, fermented to produce beer or turned into ice cream.
He quipped: “Perhaps the Corinthian cafe should get it on the menu… On the downside it could devalue property and requires professional eradication.”
A Plymouth City Council said: “We’re aware of this case of Japanese Knotweed and have treated it in previous years, but because of its perilous position on the face of a cliff, we are looking to schedule further treatment with specialist equipment.
“Rest assured, though, its on our radar and arrangements will be in place soon.”
