Description
These are flowers of Indian balsam ((Impatiens glandulifera)), also known as Himalayan balsam, policeman's helmet and ornamental jewelweed. This is an invasive riverside plant now common in the UK and many countries in Europe. Seeds were first sent from western Himalaya to Kew Gardens (London) in 1839. Naturalized populations were reported in 1855, and by the 1900s (Impatiens glandulifera) was widespread in Ireland and England. This photograph shows the common purple / pink flowers. The complicated 3D form of the flower is just one of the points of interest regarding this 'weed'. This is a tall wildflower, known in the Americas as ornamental jewelweed. Photograph taken in the Surrey Hills in southern England..