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Himalayan balsam, Impatiens glandulifera
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Himalayan balsam, Impatiens glandulifera
Himalayan balsam, Impatiens glandulifera (Large-lipped balsam, Impatiens macrochila). Handcoloured copperplate engraving by G. Barclay after Miss Sarah Drake from John Lindley and Robert Sweets Ornamental Flower Garden and Shrubbery, G. Willis, London, 1854
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Media ID 23206042
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Balsam Bobby Copper Himalayan Impatiens Lindley Ornamental Sarah Shrubbery Sweet Tops Glandulifera Miss Policemans
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This exquisite hand-colored copperplate engraving showcases the vibrant beauty of Himalayan balsam, Impatiens glandulifera, also known as Large-lipped balsam or Impatiens macrochila. The image, created by G. Barclay after a drawing by Miss Sarah Drake, is taken from John Lindley and Robert Sweet's Ornamental Flower Garden and Shrubbery, published by G. Willis in London in 1854. Himalayan balsam is a non-native invasive species that was introduced to Europe from the Himalayas in the late 1800s. Its striking, tall spikes of bright pink or purple flowers bloom profusely from mid-summer to early autumn, making it a popular ornamental plant. However, its invasive nature has made it a problematic species in many parts of the world, including Europe and North America. The engraving captures the plant's distinctive features, including its large, helmet-shaped seed capsules, which are reminiscent of policemen's helmets or "bobbies' tops." These capsules explode when ripe, propelling the seeds several meters away, ensuring their dispersal. The plant's leaves are ovate, with serrated edges, and its stems are square and hairy. The intricate details of the engraving, from the veins on the leaves to the delicate petals of the flowers, are a testament to the skill of the engraver and the dedication of the botanical illustrators of the time. This beautiful image not only showcases the aesthetic appeal of Himalayan balsam but also serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding the ecological consequences of introducing non-native species into new environments.
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