How does age change what you need out of martial arts?

[Gerry Seymour]

It's other varieties of the same species that are that potent - possibly Javanese (I'd have to look it up).

Ours aren't quite that strong (unless you have a severe allergic reaction maybe) but they do cause epic bouts of swearing sometimes...



Seeds and plants were sent from north America to europe (notably France and the UK) by botanists and made available to plant collectors and medical and other researchers, definitely cultivated at Kew gardens and recorded in multiple private locations.

There are recorded instances of it being successful in treatment of some skin problems (the body fighting the urushiol reaction promotes other healing), but these are from the Victorian era, so a grain or two of salt may be required.

You think that stuff grows rampant, try some Japanese knotweed - that'll grow four inches per day in summer and easily survive being composted. If you shred it, every fibre will grow a new plant. It's policy in most councils that they can issue a fine if it's disposed of through normal "green waste" channels unless burnt first and there are companies dedicated to specialist removal and soil treatment.

That was introduced to the UK in the 1800s as a quick growing and hardy ornamental garden plant, especially suited to amateur gardeners...

We have the same issue with Kudzu, which was imported as erosion control. Some of the same properties. I’ve heard of at least one company that uses goats who love the stuff to eat it down to nubs. Almost impossible to actually get rid of, most of us settle for containing it as best we can, and occasionally making an assault to push it back.

 

[pdg]

We have the same issue with Kudzu, which was imported as erosion control. Some of the same properties. I’ve heard of at least one company that uses goats who love the stuff to eat it down to nubs. Almost impossible to actually get rid of, most of us settle for containing it as best we can, and occasionally making an assault to push it back.

Interestingly, kudzu was banned from sale in the UK a year ago (August 2017)...

 

[Gerry Seymour]

Interestingly, kudzu was banned from sale in the UK a year ago (August 2017)...

It's still considered an invasive species here, but I'm not sure why. It's been part of the ecosystem for decades now - probably time to accept it as part of the common flora.

 

[pdg]

It's still considered an invasive species here, but I'm not sure why. It's been part of the ecosystem for decades now - probably time to accept it as part of the common flora.

The stuff on our invasive list has been around for up to 200 years - more in some cases.

But, it would still cause major damage if introduced to new areas so controlling that (or attempting to) isn't really a bad thing. It's a criminal offence now "to plant or otherwise cause to grow in the wild" any of the (currently 38) plants on the list. In Scotland it's illegal to plant any non native species, but I don't know the position on stuff that's naturalised...