All these pictures were taken in the John Pit area on 31st July, 2007.

Himalayan Balsam

It has been a wet miserable day in a wet miserable week. I thought, therefore, it would be appropriate to take a colourful look back to late July, so I've dug out some images taken on a hot sunny day.

Himalayan Balsam, also known as Indian Balsam, grows in great profusion on river banks and other damp places.

It is pretty, but it is also controversial. As its name suggests, it is not a native species, but was first introduced here in 1839 as a green house plant. It quickly escaped its confines. Because it is not native here, it is not part of a food chain, so few insects either eat it or lay their eggs on it. In other words, it has no natural enemies and, therefore, has been able to spread rapidly.

Unfortunately, because it is not part of any local food chain, the environment around Himalayan Balsam is relative barren. Also, it grows so thickly that it crowds out native species and produces a monoculture. Great to look at, but not good for the expansion of British wildlife.

More about Himalayan Balsam here.

Sources of Information

"Wild Flowers of Britain" published by Reader's Digest(1981)

Down Garden Services