Reynoutria ×bohemica

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Reynoutria ×bohemica
• Bohemian knotweed

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Fallopia sachalinensis var. intermedia
• Polygonum × bohemicum
• Fallopia × bohemica
• Reynoutria × mizushimae
• Reynoutria × vivax
• Reynoutria sachalinensis var. intermedia
• Polygonum sachalinense var. intermedium

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. It is classified under the subclass Magnoliidae in the order Caryophyllales, specifically within the family Polygonaceae. Taxonomically, it is identified by the genus Reynoutria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, Reynoutria × bohemica, exhibits a specific geographical distribution across several regions of Northern Europe. It can be found growing within the borders of Denmark and Finland. Additionally, its presence is documented across the islands of Great Britain and Ireland. The species is also established within the territory of Norway. Together, these locations define its current range across the northernmost parts of the continent.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Reynoutria × bohemica is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to establish long-term presence within its habitat through repeated seasonal growth cycles. As a hybrid, its development involves complex vegetative strategies that enable it to persist over multiple years, often utilizing extensive rhizomatous networks to spread and survive unfavorable conditions. This perennial nature ensures that the plant can re-emerge from underground structures annually, contributing to its ability to dominate specific ecological niches and maintain structural stability across successive growing seasons.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Reynoutria × bohemica is characterized by its growth form as a herbaceous plant, specifically functioning as a forb within its ecosystem. Structurally, the plant exhibits a non-woody nature, lacking true woody tissue in its primary stems, which results in a succulent yet sturdy herbaceous habit.

Growth form :

herb

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Reynoutria × bohemica is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, a metabolic strategy typical of many temperate herbaceous perennials that involves the direct fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide via the enzyme RuBisCO within the mesophyll cells. This C3 mechanism dictates its carbon assimilation efficiency and water-use patterns, making the plant highly dependent on moderate environmental temperatures and consistent moisture availability for optimal growth. Beyond its carbon fixation processes, the physiological profile of this hybrid involves robust nutrient uptake and a specialized vascular system designed to support its rapid biomass accumulation and extensive rhizomatous growth. The metabolic activity within its tissues is closely tied to seasonal fluctuations, where the efficiency of its C3 cycle modulates its ability to store energy in subterranean structures during periods of varying light intensity and ambient temperature.

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Reynoutria × bohemica has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Stilbenes, Anthraquinones, Astringin, Piceid, Proanthocyanidins.

Stilbenes

1. BMC plant biology
2. Scientific reports
3. Nutrients

Anthraquinones

1. Scientific reports

Astringin

1. BMC plant biology

Piceid

1. BMC plant biology

Proanthocyanidins

1. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)

Procyanidins

1. Scientific reports

emodin

1. BMC plant biology

piceatannol

1. BMC plant biology

polyphenols

1. Nutrients

resveratrol

1. BMC plant biology

Medicinal Uses

Reynoutria × bohemica has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include diabetes mellitus.

Most Reported Uses