Archive for the ‘Himalayan Balsam’ Category
Himalayan Balsam plant description
Himalayan Balsam is scientifically called Impatiens glandulifera and belongs to the Family Balsaminaceae. Himalayan Balsam is originally from Himalayan region in India. Himalayan Balsam is used as ornamental plant and medicinal plant. It grows annually to a height of 0.5-2 m tall. It has hollow branched stems with reddish to purple swollen nodes. The stems are erect and tall. Leaves are oppositely arranged and oblong to oval shaped. The leaves are 6 inches in length and 3 inches in breadth.
Leaves are dark green in color with dark red midrib and serrate edges. Flowers are pinkish, purple or white in color. The flowers have irregular five petals. The flowers bloom from June to October. The shape of the flower is like the old English Policeman helmet and hence it is also called Policeman’s Helmet. Himalayan Balsam flowers produce nectar. Flowers are about 2 inches in size. Large number of bumble bees and wasps are attracted by the flowers and are the main pollinators. Flowers have strong aromatic fragrance. The lower petal of the flowers is used by the bees to land and go inside the flower. Seeds are present in the fruit which is formed from the flowers after their maturity. A single fruit explodes 800 seeds after ripening.
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