HimalayanBalsam
Impatiens glandulifera
a plant introduced to England by the Victorian plant hunters as a garden plant. It has now spread all over the country, especially along river banks. The seeds are under tension in the pods, and thus spread a long way, helping to spread this plant quickly.
As pretty as it is, it chokes out the native plants, which has an impact on native insects, and therefore birds. This balsam is interrupting the native food chain. And that's why transporting the seeds or the plant in England is an offense.
On the plus side, one can make an extract from the plant which is used to treat anxiety. And the young leave (quite bitter) and the flowers can be added to a salad.
This example comes from a community meadow that attempts to re-establish English meadow plants.
HimalayanBalsam
Impatiens glandulifera
a plant introduced to England by the Victorian plant hunters as a garden plant. It has now spread all over the country, especially along river banks. The seeds are under tension in the pods, and thus spread a long way, helping to spread this plant quickly.
As pretty as it is, it chokes out the native plants, which has an impact on native insects, and therefore birds. This balsam is interrupting the native food chain. And that's why transporting the seeds or the plant in England is an offense.
On the plus side, one can make an extract from the plant which is used to treat anxiety. And the young leave (quite bitter) and the flowers can be added to a salad.
This example comes from a community meadow that attempts to re-establish English meadow plants.