Question: Hello, Arthur. Can you explain why Japanese Knotweed is known by so many scientific names, and why botanists can't seem …
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Question
Hello, Arthur. Can you explain why Japanese Knotweed is known by so many scientific names, and why botanists can't seem to come to agreement over naming such a well-known plant? Also, can you lend credence to reports that it may be effective both as a prophylactic and treatment for Lyme Disease? It is one of my favorite foraging foods- easy to gather and freeze, and as I hear, quite nutritious.
Answer
chaffeemonell, good morning. The important thing to understand is that there isn't that much disagreement. The reality is that most people who use a different name are either (1) not informed on the present taxonomy but still feel their opinion matters (to put it rather bluntly) or (2) are resisting change because it requires effort on their part to learn a new name. Those who study a particular group in great detail (i.e., are considered taxonomic authorities in the group) are often in substantial agreement over names and ranks. Of course, complete agreement is not always present, but much of the disagreement you experience does not come from folks who study the particular group--they are just presenting an opinion that is not based on biosystematic data. Japanese knotweed is currently known at Reynoutria japonica, and that name is very well supported by multiple lines of evidence. Best wishes.
