H. sosnowskyi is 3–5 m in height, with a straight, firm stem that can reach a diameter of 12 cm.The leaves are 50–60 cm long. The root is very firm, up to 30 cm diameter. All parts of H. sosnowskyi contain the intense toxic allergen furanocoumarin. (…)
The plant was once common only in the Caucasus area, but due to a decision to use it as a silage plant, it quickly spread in many areas of Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. This decision was made in 1947, under Stalin’s rule, so when the species later proved to be highly invasive and difficult to remove, people started to call it “Stalin’s revenge”.
Sosnowsky’s hogweed is a highly invasive plant in the Baltic States, Poland, and Belarus. Many river valleys and roadsides are occupied by large stands of this weed. It is difficult to eradicate because the seeds remain viable for many years and the roots are difficult to remove. (Wikipedia)
Produced with cooperation of New Warmth Festival 2017: Food Production.
