Impatiens glandulifera, commonly known as the Himalayan Balsam, is an invasive plant with a very peculiar colonizing system – its seed pods literally explode when touched or otherwise disturbed, shooting the seeds up to 7 meters in every direction. Annual reproduction of this plant occurs in the summer, when the flowers are pollinated by insects. Invasive Himalayan balsam can also adversely affect indigenous species by attracting pollinators (e.g. Why is Himalayan balsam such a big problem? Local concern: Himalayan balsam competes heavily with native species and alters the behavior and composition of pollinating insects. Water frequently aids in the transport of seeds long distances. Smaller than Himalayan balsam, growing to a height of 1.2 Flower is similar in shape but orange in colour Orange balsam is much less aggressive than Himalayan balsam, forming dense stands . Habitat: Himalayan balsam is an herbaceous, terrestrial, annual plant that thrives in riparian zones. The Himalayan Balsam was introduced in the UK in 1839 as a greenhouse and garden plant, but it only took a few decades for it to escape into the wild. To combat the effects of Himalayan Balsam on the environment, conservationists regularly organize clearing parties to uproot the plant from particularly sensitive areas. This attractive annual plant was introduced to Ireland from the Himalayas and has since become a very invasive weed. It reaches well over head height, and is a major weed problem. You may be asked to provide your name and contact information if follow-up is needed. Mechanical control is an alternative to biocontrol. For large, riverside infestations, a specialist invasive species control … Today, many communities around the world are struggling to keep the plant in check, organizing seasonal “bashing” sessions to clear large swathes of land. It was introduced to Kew Gardens in 1839 and is thought to have mainly been spread by people passing seeds to each other. Impatiens glandulifera. Skip Navigation. We take a look at Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera), one of the UK’s most invasive and problematic weed species, and the work CABI is doing to combat its spread. The main issue with this plant is that it’s very aggressive, muscling out native plants until it’s the only one left. Himalayan balsam is widely distributed across Canada and can be found in eight provinces. A native of India and Pakistan, the Himalayan Balsam has managed to invade 23 European countries, as well as the United States, Canada and even New Zealand. insects) at the expense of indigenous species. - Or - use the Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) online reporting tool, - Or - download the MISIN smartphone app and report from your phone - http://www.misin.msu.edu/tools/apps/#home, Barbara Tokarska-Guzik University of Silesia bugwood.org, Leslie J. Mehrhoff, University of Connecticut, Bugwood.org - Himalayan balsam leaves. Interestingly, the plant’s Latin name, Impatiens glandulifera, speaks of its impatience to spread far and wide, using a fascinating evolutionary mechanism. and protect other plant life. It has an explosive seed capsule, which scatters seeds over a … The attractive flowers appear in July with seeds that start to scatter by October not only around the plant, but also onto water. This species can tolerate many types of soils. There was a time when the plant was marketed as a novelty attraction for children, under the name ” Mr. Noisy’s Exploding Plant”, and despite its now known invasive tendencies people still love popping those pods every chance they get. at the heart of a living, working, active landscape valued by everyone. e9.snackbar = true; Granted, it’s an oddly satisfying experience. Himalayan Balsam. It is becoming more widespread and County Galway particularly in damp habitats such as river banks and wet grasslands. Sustainability. The native range in the western Himalayas is relatively small compared to its invasive range. However, humans have played a pretty big part in its successful colonization of the world. Midwest Invasive Species Information Network (MISIN) Educational Module and Assessment. Himalayan balsam, UGA2137097, Barbara Tokarska-Guzik, University of Silesia, CC 3.0. • It is listed under schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 – it is an offence to plant or cause this species to grow in the wild. Small infestations of Himalayan balsam can be controlled by hand-pulling the whole plant, including roots, in April and any new growth in September; or by regular grazing, strimming or the application of herbicides. Leaves are lanceolate to lance-ovate with acuminate tips. This plant is not on the Prohibited and Regulated Species list and may also be introduced through the horticulture trade. Himalayan Balsam Impatiens glandulifera Invasive Species Identification and Control Guide Species Description Himalayan Balsam is a native species to the western Himalayans in North India. It can be found in wetlands, forests, gardens, yards, and on the side of the road. The seeds can survive for up to 2 years without germinating if they are transported by water. Every plant has dozens of pods which contain an average of 800 seeds, so a thicket of  Himalayan Balsam can contain up to 30,000 of these tiny bullets just waiting to take root. The stems are purple tinged, hollow and hexagonally angled. In fact, the plant – whose native range is the foothills of the Indian and Pakistani Himalayas – is considered one of the UK’s most widespread invasive weed species competing with native plant species for space, light, nutrients and pollinators, thereby reducing local biodiversity. In this article, part of Inside Ecology’s ‘Invasive Non-Native Species’ series, Elizabeth Kimber (Ecologist), focuses on Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera)… Himalayan balsam is native to the foothills of the Himalayas, India and Pakistan, and was first released into the UK in … Himalayan balsam. Himalayan Balsam: invasive weed. Fruit capsules explode when ripe and touched Habitat: Himalayan balsam is an herbaceous, terrestrial, annual plant that thrives in riparian zones. Foliage The foliage is opposite or whorled. It can be seen along several trails and roadsides in Prince Edward Island. It now an invasive weed of riverbanks and ditches, where it prevents native species from growing. Himalayan Balsam originates from the Western Himalayas. This species can tolerate many types of soils. 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