How much of the 'countrys most invasive plant' is in Romford?
Published: 4:00 PM July 8, 2021 Updated: 5:23 PM July 8, 2021  In Romford there are 38 known infestations of Japanese knotweed. - Credit: Environet  Romford is subject to infestations of the countrys most invasive plant which most people cannot identify, according to research. Analysis released by data company YouGov and invasive plant specialists Environet found that only 18 per cent of adults in the east of England could correctly identify Japanese knotweed, which they called "the UKs most invasive plant". The remaining 82pc were left extremely vulnerable to the risk posed by the invasive species, which was most commonly mistook for common garden plants such as bindweed, ivy, Russian vine and peony. Recognised by its distinctive green heart shaped leaves that sprout in the early summer, Japanese knotweed was found to be well established across the UK. There are 38 known infestations of Japanese knotweed within a 4km radius of Romford town centre, the research revealed. You may also want to watch:  Researchers also said that knotweed can grow through brick walls and eventually destroy them, but it can only exploit existing cracks and weaken concrete. A heatmap that shows the infestation of knotweed in the Romford area. - Credit: Environet UK  Knotweed will cause damage to a building if a severe infestation is left unchecked" for several years, they added. Founder and managing director of Environet, Nic Seal said: The general publics ability to spot Japanese knotweed is worryingly low. "This is particularly considering around 5pc of homes in the east of England are affected, making them difficult to buy and sell and causing disputes between neighbours which can be unpleasant and costly to resolve. Homeowners and buyers keen to avoid a run in with this highly destructive and invasive plant should ensure they know what to look out for at different times of year, from the dark red spears that emerge in March or April to the lush green leaves of summer and the dead-looking canes left standing by early winter. Awareness of the damage caused by knotweed if its left unchecked is thankfully much higher and people are right to be concerned. "Knotweed is best dealt with quickly, before it has a chance to become established and spread.  Environet offers a free identification service to anyone who is concerned about a "suspicious plant" growing in their garden.