Bohemian knotweed (Reynoutria × bohemica, Cas. Nár. Mus., Odd. Prír. 152: 120 (1983))

Family: Polygonaceae

Author: Chrtek & Chrtková

Bibliography: Cas. Nár. Mus., Odd. Prír. 152: 120 (1983)

Year: 1983

Status: accepted

Rank: hybrid

Genus: Reynoutria

Vegetable: False

Observations: N. & C. Japan

Description

Bohemian knotweed, scientifically known as Reynoutria × bohemica, is an intriguing plant species that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. It was first described in detail by renowned botanists Chrtek and Chrtková in 1983, making its debut in the notable periodical Cas. Nár. Mus., Odd. Prír. The species is native to a range covering Northern and Central Japan, where it thrives in diverse environmental conditions.

Bohemian knotweed is a hybrid species that embodies characteristics of its parent plants, leading to its distinct identity. As a member of the knotweed family, it shares the robust growth habit and high adaptability seen in its relatives. The plant displays a notable adaptability to various soil types and climates, contributing to its reputation as a tenacious perennial.

The leaves of Reynoutria × bohemica are typically large, heart-shaped, and bear a distinct vein pattern. During the blooming season, the plant produces clusters of small, white to creamy flowers that are visually appealing and can attract a variety of pollinators. These blooms are usually borne on elongated spikes, adding a layer of aesthetic value to its appearance.

However, Bohemian knotweed’s vigorous growth and ability to spread rapidly can pose significant challenges to native plant species and ecosystems. Its extensive root system can disrupt local vegetation and may require active management to control its spread in non-native environments.

Understanding its native habitat in Japan provides valuable insights into its growth requirements and behavior. In its indigenous regions, Bohemian knotweed plays a role in the local flora, contributing to the ecological balance. However, when introduced to new areas, it can become invasive, outcompeting local species and altering habitats.

The study of Reynoutria × bohemica continues to be important for botanists and ecologists, particularly in understanding plant hybridization, invasive species dynamics, and ecosystem impacts. Effective management strategies are essential to prevent its unintended spread and ensure that this resilient plant does not adversely affect biodiversity in its introduced range.

In summary, Bohemian knotweed is a plant of considerable interest and complexity. While its attractive foliage and flowers make it visually appealing, its potential as an invasive species necessitates careful consideration and management to protect native ecosystems.

Common Names

En: Bohemian knotweed
Da: Hybrid-pileurt, Japan- x Kæmpe-pileurt, Japan-pileurt × kæmpe-pileurt
Fi: Hörtsätatar
Fr: Renouée de Bohème
De: Bastard-Flügelknöterich, Bastard-Staudenknöterich
It: Poligono di Boemia
Nb: Hybridslirekne
Nn: Hybridslirekne
Sv: Hybridslide, Hörtsätatar

Synonyms

• Reynoutria × mizushimae (Yokouchi ex T.Shimizu)
• Reynoutria × vivax (J.Schmitz & Strank)
• Polygonum sachalinense var. intermedium (Tatew.)
• Reynoutria sachalinensis var. intermedia ((Tatew.) Miyabe & Kudô)
• Polygonum × bohemicum ((Chrtek & Chrtková) Zika & Jacobson)
• Fallopia × bohemica ((Chrtek & Chrtková) J.P.Bailey)
• Fallopia sachalinensis var. intermedia ((Tatew.) Yonek. & H.Ohashi)

Distribution

• Japan (native)
• Baltic States (introduced)
• Belgium (introduced)
• British Columbia (introduced)
• Bulgaria (introduced)
• Central European Rus (introduced)
• Connecticut (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• Denmark (introduced)
• Finland (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Germany (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Hungary (introduced)
• Idaho (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• Iowa (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Kentucky (introduced)
• Louisiana (introduced)
• Maine (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Masachusettes (introduced)
• Minnesota (introduced)
• Nebraska (introduced)
• Netherlands (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Newfoundland (introduced)
• North Carolina (introduced)
• Norway (introduced)
• Nova Scotia (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Poland (introduced)
• Québec (introduced)
• Romania (introduced)
• Sweden (introduced)
• Switzerland (introduced)
• Tennessee (introduced)
• Ukraine (introduced)
• Vermont (introduced)
• Virginia (introduced)
• Washington (introduced)
• West Virginia (introduced)
• Wisconsin (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Jun 17, 2022 by Alexander Baransky (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:928652-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Reynoutria × bohemica Chrtek & Chrtková)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4038485)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth