The latest Inverclyde hotspots for the destructive and invasive Japanese Knotweed have been revealed.

Native to East Asia, the plant and was introduced to the UK in the 1800s and has since spread throughout the country.

It can grow up to four inches a day and forms dense thickets which can kill native plant species and damage infrastructure.

The plant is identified by red stems and a bamboo-like appearance and can grow up to 8ft tall while its roots can be as long as 28ft.

The highest number of Japanese Knotweed plants - according to invasive plat specialists Environet - can be found in Langbank where there are 21 occurrences within 4km.

The second highest number of cases can be found in Gourock where there are 10 within 4km.

In Port Glasgow and Inverkip there are four cases within 4km while on the A770 towards Inverkip there are seven occurrences within 4km.

In Skelmorlie, the plant has been found three times within 4km, in Greenock there are two cases within 4km, and in Kilmacolm there is just one occurrence within 4km.

Greenock Telegraph:

If the plant is found on private property, the landowner must take the necessary steps to prevent any further growth.

Those who come across Japanese Knotweed are asked to not cut, mow, or trim growing the plant.

This will not kill the Japanese Knotweed and it will re-grow from the root while there is an additional high risk of a fragments of the root or stem growing into a new plant.

The plant can only be safely killed by applying herbicides over the course of several years.

A representative for the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative said: “Due to its persistent rhizomes and ability to regenerate, research suggests the only effective way of controlling knotweed is by herbicide (Glyphosate) application.

“Treatment is needed over subsequent years, while initial success can be achieved in the first year, at least some of the root will remain and will grow to form a new stem if the treatment isn't followed up in years two to three.

“The average time for a chemical treatment programme is three to five years.”

For more information on how to deal with Japanese Knotweed and to report a sighting to the Scottish Invasive Species Initiative, visit: www.invasivespecies.scot/japanese-knotweed.