- Himalayan Balsam( Impatiens glandiflora)
- Also known as Indian Balsam or Policemans Helmet. It is outlawed under the
Wildlife and countryside Act as being an Alien species because of the speed and
vorocity (like Japanese knotweed) with which it spreads . It is however an
abundant foodstuff for bees and other insects often seen along railway corridors
and River Embankments where it readily spreads.Introduced from Himalayas but
widely naturalised along riverbanks and on damp wasteground. Upright, reddish
stems carry leaves in whorls of three or opposite pairs. Pink-purple flowers, 30
40mm long, appear July - October. Seeds Also known as Himalayan Balsam .Flowers
found in a variety of shades from purple pink to red pink. Common along damp
river banks and canals.