Impatiens glandulifera, Himalayan balsam

Himalayan Balsam is distinctive annual plant which in UK is considered as invasive species weed 

which often outcompete other native plants.

This remnants of Himalayan Balsam were located in Highfield Country Park. It was recently cleared and there were barely any other traces from it. It grew in damp soil conditions. Its root system looks very strong. It was surrounded by tall and not much sunlight was reaching the plant.

The plant has reddish stems and can be found along river banks and on damp waste ground.

Its leaves are oval, toothed and grow in opposite pairs or whorls of 3. The flowers are 3-4cm long, pinkish purple with a short, curved spur. The flower in stalks in clusters from July to October. Its fruits are club-shaped and explosive.