The distribution of Impatiens glandulifera in the Southern Urals (Russian Federation)
Impatiens glandulifera (Balsaminaceae: EPPO List of Invasive Alien Plants) is an invasive, annual species native to the Western Himalayas. It is widespread in the EPPO region where it has negative impacts on biodiversity and ecosystem services. The expansion of I. glandulifera in the Russian Federation began in the 1970s. Currently, the species is widespread in all regions of Central Russia, and in the Southern Urals it is considered an invasive species that has spread across natural habitats. In the Southern Urals I. glandulifera is becoming increasingly established in both natural and anthropogenic habitats in the northern, north-eastern, and central region. At present, I. glandulifera has been found in 62 localities in the Southern Urals. The largest areas of invasion are in urban and semi-urban habitats, forest habitats, and along the banks of small streams and rivers in populated areas where it forms large monocultures. Impatiens glandulifera can also be found encroaching into protected habitats such as the Yang-Tau Geopark, in the north-east of the Republic of Bashkortostan (Central Russia). The establishment of I. glandulifera is aided by rich mineral nutrients in the soils and moisture content.
Sources
Abramova LM, Golovanov Ya M (2025) Current distribution and ecological-phytocoenotic characteristic of the invasive species Impatiens glandulifera Royle in the Southern Urals. Russian Journal of Ecology, 55, 383–390.