Isle of Bute 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 plant specialists Environet - can be found in the northwest of the island where there are 47 occurrences within 4km.

Along the B878 the plant has been recorded 45 times within 4km while in Port Bannatyne and Ardbeg there are 42 occurrences within 4km and on the A844 near the Pencil Box there are 40 cases.

Around Kerrycroy Bay on the A844 there are 36 cases within 4km while in Rothesay there are 34 cases within 4km.

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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.