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Japanese knotweed is a successful competitor because of its rapid growth rate, strong root system that can regenerate from fragments, and its ability to outcompete native plants for resources like sunlight, water, and nutrients. It also lacks natural predators in many ecosystems, allowing it to spread rapidly and displace other vegetation.
knotweed
That plant is called a polygonaceae, which is a family of flowering plants characterized by small flowers and jointed stems.
The plant you are referring to is likely the herbaceous plant commonly known as "jointweed" or "smartweed." It belongs to the Polygonaceae family and is characterized by its small leaves and jointed stems.
In Victorian times, Japanese Knotweed was introduced into Britain as an ornamental garden plant. It has since escaped and spread and has now become a very persistent weed that is difficult to eradicate. Another example is when rabbits were introduced into Australian, and have since grown to such huge numbers, that they are now considered a pest. There are many examples world-wide of introduced species that have decimated the native species, even to the point of extinction.
In botanical terms, plants that are considered "greedy" are typically those that have high nutrient requirements and aggressively compete for resources in their environment. Examples of such plants include fast-growing species like Japanese knotweed (Fallopia japonica) and kudzu (Pueraria montana), which can quickly spread and dominate an area, outcompeting other plant species. These plants often have deep root systems that allow them to access nutrients and water more effectively than their neighbors, contributing to their reputation as "greedy" plants.