Flower heads and seeds of the Himalayan Balsam plant on the River Tweed an invasive species
RMID:Image ID:GNB3D4
Image details
Contributor:
James R Gibson / Alamy Stock PhotoImage ID:
GNB3D4File size:
42.2 MB (1 MB Compressed download)Releases:
Model - no | Property - noDo I need a release?Dimensions:
4928 x 2996 px | 41.7 x 25.4 cm | 16.4 x 10 inches | 300dpiDate taken:
28 August 2016More information:
Himalayan or Indian balsam was introduced to British gardens from the Himalayas in 1839 and since then has become widely naturalised. This elegant plant is the tallest annual in Britain, growing up to 2 meters in height. The stems are reddish in colour and bear long, dark green lance-shaped leaves with toothed edges. The large brightly coloured flowers are variable shades of purplish-pink, and occasionally white. Their appearance has led to the alternative name of ‘poor man’s orchid’. Another charming local name, ‘bee-bums’ has arisen as it is just the back end of a bee that can be seen when it visits a flower of this plant