Concerns over Himalayan plant’s invasion

So far the Himalayan balsam plant has been identified in a grassy area at Pleinmont, a garden in the Rohais and a wet meadow at St Saviour’s, but there are worries it could be elsewhere.

Islanders are being asked to keep an eye out for the plant, which is characterised by pink orchid-like flowers and tends to grow in wet areas.

Agriculture, Countryside & Land Management Services said the species was invasive.

‘The plant readily establishes in damp areas such as streams, where it grows in clusters that can reach three metres –10 feet – in height,’ a spokesman said.

‘Seeds are dispersed via explosive pods which can send seeds up to seven metres away and once they enter the water course, these seeds may settle and germinate several miles from the parent plant.’

ACLMS was keen to find and remove these plants to prevent harm to banks and native plants it outcompetes.

The issue was highlighted after an islander posted a picture of the plant on a local social media wildlife page.

That plant has now been removed, but there are worries that others might exist and it could spread along douits and marshy grasslands.

Field and research officer Damian Harris said the balsam had been recorded in only a few locations in Guernsey so far.

‘So we are keen to tackle this invasive species now,’ he said.

‘We don’t want to allow this species to become established as it could easily become a significant problem for our wildlife and landowners.

‘We would encourage anyone who believes they have found Himalayan balsam to contact ACLMS as soon as possible.’

A cluster of 130 plants was removed from the reservoir last year and there have been three more sites identified.

All plants have been removed and care was taken that seeds were not spread during this process.

Anyone who thinks they have found a plant should email aclms@gov.gg with a photo, location and description of the area it was found in.

ACLMS will confirm the identification and offer guidance on how to remove the plant safely to prevent its spread.

About Himalayan balsam

The plant, a relative of the Busy Lizzie, was introduced from Asia in the 19th century.

In the UK, it is listed under Schedule 9 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, which makes it an offence to plant or allow this species to grow in the wild.

On its website, the Royal Horticultural Society says that Himalayan balsam tolerates low light levels and also shades out other vegetation, so gradually impoverishing habitats by killing off other plants.

The flowers produce large amounts of nectar and are very attractive to numerous bee species.