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Description
Impatiens Glandulifera, commonly known as Himalayan Balsam or Indian Balsam, is a flowering plant that is native to the Himalayas. It belongs to the family Balsaminaceae and is an annual herb that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The plant is characterized by its pink or purple flowers, which bloom from July to October, and its long, narrow leaves.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Ericales |
| Family | Balsaminaceae |
| Genus | Impatiens |
Appearance
The Impatiens Glandulifera has a distinct appearance that makes it easily identifiable. Its stem is thick and hollow, with a purple or green color. The leaves are long and narrow, with a serrated edge, and are arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers are pink or purple, and are shaped like a trumpet. They have five petals and a spur that is longer than the other petals. The fruit of the plant is a capsule that explodes when ripe, scattering the seeds up to 7 meters away.
Care Guide
Impatiens Glandulifera is a relatively easy plant to care for. Here are some tips on how to care for your Himalayan Balsam:- Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Impatiens Glandulifera prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter.- Fertilization: Use a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: Impatiens Glandulifera prefers slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0-6.5.- Sunlight: The plant prefers partial to full shade, but can also tolerate some sunlight.- Hardiness Zones: Impatiens Glandulifera can grow in USDA Hardiness Zones 4-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Impatiens Glandulifera is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:- Aphids: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing it to wilt and die.- Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a white powder on the leaves, and can cause them to turn yellow and fall off.- Downy Mildew: This fungal disease appears as yellow or brown spots on the leaves, and can cause them to wilt and die.- Spider Mites: These small insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing it to become discolored and distorted.
Habitat
Impatiens Glandulifera is native to the Himalayas, but has been introduced to various other regions around the world, including Europe, North America, and New Zealand. It prefers moist and shady habitats, such as riverbanks and wetlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Impatiens Glandulifera an invasive species?
A: Yes, Impatiens Glandulifera is considered an invasive species in many regions around the world.
Q: How do I control the spread of Impatiens Glandulifera?
A: To control the spread of Impatiens Glandulifera, it is important to remove it manually or with herbicides. It is also important to prevent the spread of its seeds by not disturbing the plant or its seed pods.
Q: Can I grow Impatiens Glandulifera indoors?
A: While Impatiens Glandulifera can grow indoors, it is not recommended as it prefers moist and shady habitats.
Q: Is Impatiens Glandulifera toxic?
A: No, Impatiens Glandulifera is not toxic to humans or animals.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Impatiens Glandulifera:- Impatiens Capensis- Impatiens Walleriana- Impatiens Balsamina- Impatiens Noli-tangere
References
– “Impatiens Glandulifera (Himalayan Balsam)”. Invasive Species Compendium. CABI. – “Impatiens Glandulifera”. Missouri Botanical Garden.- “Impatiens Glandulifera”. Royal Horticultural Society.
