Friday, August 13, 2004

Shooting its way to Freedom?

The Cumberland News has this story about Himalayan balsam (Impatiens glandulifera) spreading throughout the UK. Introduced as an ornamental over 150 years ago, it is thought to have escaped from gardens in part because of its exploding seed pods, an efficient method of dispersal over short distances. Now large populations of the plant can be found along rivers and roadsides, where it holds the distinction of being the UK's tallest annual weed.

Thanks to a member of the ALIENS-L listserver for posting a link to the story.

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