How do balsam seeds disperse?

The pod or fruit of balsam tree are quiet light. These disperse the seeds by the splitting action of the pod it looks like an explosive event. The seeds may be dispersed by the distance of 3-5 meters from the tree. The seeds are blown by the wind or carried by the river to the distant locations.

Does balsam explode?

Himalayan balsam is an annual plant (it completes its lifecycle within one year), which grows to 2m tall with rough, reddish stems, shiny oval leaves about 15cm long with a red vein, and bright purple-pink flowers from June-September. It produces seedpods which explode when ripe spreading the seeds up to 7m.

Which plant has exploding seed pods?

Jewelweed is an annual, meaning it lives only for one year and comes back from the seeds the next year. The seeds grow in pods, which expand in size, building up pressure – until they explode when touched. This is why they are also called touch-me-nots.

How does himalayan balsam spread its seeds?

Himalayan balsam spreads quickly as it can project its seeds up to four metres. Many seeds drop into the water and contaminate land and riverbanks downstream, but the explosive nature of its seed release means it can spread upstream too. It has large ‘policeman’s helmet’ pink-purple flowers.

How is rubber seed dispersal?

In the rainforests of the Amazon, for example, the ripe rubber seeds often explode into the rivers under the rubber trees, and are carried long distances before they reach new areas suitable for germination (Kubitzki and Ziburski, 1994).

What is agent of dispersal of balsam?

The seeds of balsam are dispersed by of fruits.

How explosion is helpful in the dispersal of seeds?

Explosive! Some plants distribute their seeds by violently ejecting them so that they fall well away from the parent plant. This is explosive dispersal.

Are there explosive plants?

Violets, poisonous squirting cucumbers, and touch-me-nots or Impatiens capensis (not to be confused with these touch-me-nots) have an effective way of dispersing their seeds: They burst! The forceful ejection sends the seeds flying as far away as possible from the original plant.

Is Indian balsam the same as Himalayan balsam?

Also known as ‘Indian balsam’, Himalayan balsam is originally from the Himalayas. This has earned it the charming nickname of ‘Kiss-me-on-the-mountain’ in some parts of the UK.

Why is Himalayan balsam a problem?

It has a negative effect on native plants by shading them out. Then come winter when the plant dies back, it leaves the ground bare and vulnerable to erosion. One of the biggest problems caused by Himalayan Balsam is the damage is causes to habitats along banks and riversides, such as fish spawning beds.