Impatiens glandulifera

Himalayan Balsam

Impatiens glandulifera, also known as Himalayan balsam or Indian balsam, originates from the western Himalayas. This perennial plant reaches a height of up to 2.5 metres and is characterised by a hollow, upright stem. The stems and the lanceolate leaves are glandular-hairy, hence the name. The plant is known for its showy, pink to purple flowers that stand together in long racemes and bloom from July to October. The flowers are zygomorphic with a long curved spur and have a characteristic shape reminiscent of a cap. The Himalayan balsam is capable of spreading seeds up to 7 metres by the mature seed capsules bursting open on contact. The plant prefers moist sites, especially near rivers. It is capable of forming dense stands, especially on disturbed sites such as embankments and forest edges.

Types of damage

Ecological damage

Due to its rapid growth rate and ability to form dense stands, Impatiens glandulifera can displace native plants and reduce the biodiversity of plant species in affected areas, especially along streams and forest edges. Its presence also causes a decline in soil invertebrate fauna.

Region of origin

China, Indian Subcontinent, Western Himalaya

Introduction vectors

Botanical gardens

Impatiens glandulifera was planted in the botanical gardens of Europe in the 19th century and probably spread from there.

Planting of neophytes

Impatiens glandulifera was deliberately sown in nature as an alien plant to enrich the native flora.
Current distribution

Based on the FlorKart Database of the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, as of 2013

Miscellaneous

Family

The balsam family (Balsaminaceae) comprise only two genera, Impatiens and Hydrocera, with a total of around 1,000 species. They are mainly distributed in the tropics, but some species also occur in temperate zones. The plants of this family are mostly annual or perennial herbaceous plants, rarely semi-shrubs. Characteristic are their succulent stems, opposite leaves and asymmetrical, often vividly coloured flowers. Particularly striking are the capsule-like fruits that eject their seeds when touched. Well-known representatives are the Impatiens walleriana and the Impatiens noli-tangere.

Climate change

Impatiens glandulifera has already filled its potentially suitable habitat under current climate conditions. It does not benefit from climate change because in the future its potentially suitable habitat will become smaller. The environmental factors that most influence its spread are soil type, road infrastructure, waterways, summer temperature and altitude.

Positive effects

Himalayan balsam can flower until late October, providing food for bees and other insects when many other nectar and pollen plants have already faded.

Dispersion forecast

Indicates the proportion of land suitable for habitat under current and future climate conditions (2060-2080) under three emission scenarios (RCP26, RCP45 & RCP85).

Habitat suitability maps

Instructions for use: Click here

Habitat suitability under current climate conditions

These habitat suitability maps show for Impatiens glandulifera where suitable habitat conditions exist.

The map on the left shows this for current climate conditions. Below this are maps for the time classes 2040-2060 and 2061-2080, in which three different emission scenarios can be selected.

The slider at the top left allows you to adjust the opacity of the map to make orientation easier.

By clicking on the respective quadrant, information on the environmental conditions present in it can be called up.

The methodology is explained here .

Habitat suitability 2040 - 2060

2040-2060: In the RCP2.6 scenario, GHG emissions are expected to peak by 2040 through comprehensive mitigation measures and to decline rapidly thereafter. By 2060, global warming would stabilise at about 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Subtle changes in precipitation patterns could vary regionally, with some areas facing increased drought and others increased precipitation.

2040-2060: Under RCP4.5, GHG emissions would continue to increase until 2040, but stabilise at a high level thereafter. By 2060, there could be a global temperature increase of about 2°C above pre-industrial levels. This scenario would likely cause moderate changes in precipitation patterns, with potential regional differences.

2040-2060: Under RCP8.5, which assumes continued intensive use of fossil fuels, greenhouse gas emissions would rise sharply by 2060. The global temperature increase could be around 2.5-3°C. In this scenario, significant changes in precipitation patterns could occur, with an increased likelihood of extreme weather events.

Habitat suitability 2061 - 2080

2060-2080: By 2080, global warming could be limited to below 2°C in the RCP2.6 scenario, provided emission reductions are consistently pursued. Impacts on precipitation patterns would likely stabilise, although regional variance would remain significant.

2060-2080: In the RCP4.5 scenario, global temperatures would continue to increase and could be around 2.5°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Changes in precipitation patterns would likely increase and regional differences could become more pronounced.

2060-2080: Under RCP8.5, global temperatures could rise by more than 4°C above pre-industrial levels by 2080. Precipitation patterns would be expected to change significantly, with further increases in the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. This would have far-reaching impacts on ecological and socio-economic systems.