GIANT HOGWEED PROBLEM
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
A new danger has presented itself along the banks of the Moyola.
The "Giant Hogweed/Japanese Knotweed" was first seen around Tobermore a few years ago, and is now beginning to establish itself in other areas too.
Hairs on the outside of the stems and poisonous sap on the inside of the stems and leaves can cause severe irritation. The sap reacts with the skin and makes the skin sensitive to ultra-violet light, though no pain or irritation is felt at the time of contact. Any subsequent exposure to sunlight can cause the skin to burn and will result in large, watery blisters that do not become evident until 15 to 20 hours following contact, by which time the damage has been done. Blisters may develop into purplish or blackened scars and could persist as recurrent photo-dermatitis long after exposure. Contact with the eyes can lead to temporary (or, in some cases, permanent) blindness. Children can be most at risk, as Giant hogweed is highly attractive to them. The size of the plant forms part of the attraction, as does the long, straight, hollow stems that can often be used as ‘telescopes’, ‘blow pipes’ or ‘swords’. The consequences of these games do not bear thinking about – especially when the toxic sap has come into contact with the child’s face, eyes or mouth.
Please do not try to remove any of these plants. They have to be treated in a proper manner.
The club is at present looking into best practice removal methods for this invasive species.
