Return Of The Giant Hogweed - 40 Years Later Life Imitates Art

The Return Of The Giant Hogweed is a song based on the Victorian introduction of a giant Hogweed plant (Heracleum mantegazzianum) after it was "captured" in Russia and brought to England by a Victorian explorer.

This plant has bizarre characteristics. The toxins are reactive to the UV rays of sunlight. It can create severe burns on the skin of humans. It is an extremely difficult plant to kill as it seems the roots are entirely resistant to herbicides. Haz Mat teams in special suits have to remove the plant as it is so dangerous.

What makes this song so unique is that the spread of the Hogweed has become a global issue. In the United States for example, the Hogweed has recently spread and caused harm to humans. There are similar non-toxic species that can confuse someone into believing that the plant is harmless.

Genesis, and most likely Peter Gabriel may have been inspired by the story "The Day Of The Triffids." It is a post apocalyptic story of an invasive plant species bioengineered in what was then present day USSR and managed to escape to wreak havoc on the world.

40 years after the release, it would seem that the song has a second life due to the continual spread of Hogweed in non indigenous areas. Just remember:

Waste no time!
They are approaching.
Hurry now, we must protect ourselves and find some shelter
Strike by night!
They are defenceless.
They all need the sun to photosensitize their venom.