An alert has been sent out on the "exploding" Himalayan balsam plant, which can damage the environment and spread swiftly throughout the country.
Himalayan balsam has the unique nickname of 'Kiss-me-on-the-mountain' in some parts of the UK. In many areas of the country, this plant has a negative impact on the environment and businesses. More than 2,500 seeds, which have a maximum shelf life of two to three years, can be produced by a single plant.
When the seed pods are ready, the seeds can shoot up to seven metres in the air and burst if they are touched. Japanese Knotweed Ltd experts have issued a warning, suggesting the swift expansion of Himalayan balsam infestations can lead to significant issues for land managers and owners.
What is Himalayan balsam?
Himalayan balsam is a plant native to the Himalayas. It has large, pink flowers shaped like a bonnet; these are followed by hanging, green seed pods.
It was brought to Britain from India in 1839 and marketed as a substitute for orchids cultivated in greenhouses by affluent individuals.
Due to its explosive seeds, it swiftly overtook gardens and is now considered an invasive plant in most parts of the world. It can grow in dry regions as well, but it is most frequently seen near waterways and extremely moist areas.
It grows along the banks of rivers, brooks, streams, canals, ditches and other damp areas. It is found mostly in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, with some scattered populations in Scotland. It is prohibited to plant Himalayan balsam in the UK or cause them to grow in the wild, according to Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.
Himalayan balsam has edible portions, and its blooms can be used to make "champagne" which is akin to elderflower champagne.
Why is it dangerous?
Himalayan balsam is extremely harmful, eroding riverbanks, growing dense stands that increase the risk of floods, stifling or reducing native species, and adversely affecting other forms of biodiversity.
Experts at Japanese Knotweed Ltd have said: "Seeds can float through flowing water and become attached to vehicles, clothing or footwear. This means that a single plant can have a significant impact on the surrounding habitat, causing an outbreak of Himalayan balsam within a time period of just one year."
Although parts of the plant are edible, since Himalayan balsam has a high mineral content, it is not recommended to consume large amounts of it. It also contains calcium oxalate, which is toxic in its raw form. Cooking, on the other hand, completely disintegrates this.
It is not recommended for people with rheumatism, hyperacidity, kidney or bladder stones, gout, arthritis, or hyperacidity to consume Himalayan balsam.
