U-vandaag, RTV Utrecht: The plant nuisance Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum)

Description

Gijs Steur spoke on regional television (RTV Utrecht, from 11 min) about the plant nuisance Giant Hogweed (Heracleum mantegazzianum; "Reuze Berenklauw in Dutch: no not the snack). This perennial plant is now at its peak height and is full of irritating sap which it injects with spiny hairs into the unsuspecting victim. The sap is light-activated and causes a serious skin reaction akin to severe burning. The presenter jokingly calls Gijs the Freek Vonk of plants.