WANTED
 |
| Royal Horticultural Society |
Himalayan balsam
(Impatiens glandulifera)
Species description: Large dense
stands of bright pink/purple flowers that often tower over you, reaching heights
of up to 10 ft tall.
Where:
Since 1839, this species has been at large in the UK during the summer months, spotted
along river banks, wasteland and residential gardens. A single
plant can produce up to 800 seeds, helping it spread across the country via wind, water and human activity (Royal Horticultural Society).
Effect on biodiversity and landscape : This plant has a negative impact on species
diversity, and can potentially lead to a 25% reduction in species richness at
sites where it grows. Light sensitive plants are at particular threat from this invasive species.(Hulme and Bremner, 2006).
The
plant is renowned by Bees all over the country for producing a sugar rich nectar at a very rapid rate. Consequently it is preferentially pollinated, enhancing the spread of I. glandulifera whilst having a negative effect on the fitness of native species (Chittkaand Schürkens, 2001)
Additionally, I. glandulifera dies out at the end of summer and
removal of the plant biomass leaves the large areas of empty river banks which
are liable to soil erosion. (Shaw and Tanner, 2008).
In 2013 this invasive species hit national headlines!
