Parviflora DC Research Articles

ADAPTATION OF PHYTOPHAGES AND PHYTOPATHOGENS TO NEOPHYTES OF THE GENUS IMPATIENS L. (BALSAMINACEAE) IN MOSCOW REGION

Results of a five-year study of phytophages and phytopathogens in the Moscow region on two invasive species of the genus Impatiens L. (Balsaminaceae): I. parviflora DC. and I. grandi ora Royl. are presented. The damaging complex consists of representatives of herbivorous polyphages, fungal pathogens, phytoviruses and indicates the adaptation of autochthonous phytotrophic organisms. 6 phytophages and 4 pathogens of fungal diseases at I. parvi ora, and 5 phytophages, 4 fungal phytopathogens and 3 phytoviruses at I. glandulifera were found. During the study period, there was no critical increase in the density of populations of harmful arthropod species and the development of epiphytoties.

Red wood ants (Formica rufa) help propagate invasive small balsam (Impatients parviflora) in accordance with the directed dispersal hypothesis

Ants are a major source of soil disturbance and can influence vegetation dynamics and biodiversity by changing environmental conditions. Their seed collection activity supports dispersal and can favour the presence of species, including introduced, non-native and invasive species. Understanding of seed dispersal mechanisms is important for predicting plant distributions and invasive risk.Studies generally addressing myrmecochory have mostly focused on interactions between native species and few have considered the role of ants in spreading non-native plants. This study investigated effects of a native species Formica rufa (red wood ant) on the distribution of the invasive plant, Impatiens parviflora DC (small balsam). The study measured ant seed collection activity and plant and soil chemical characteristics to evaluate whether assumptions of the directed dispersal hypothesis obtained.Seed collection experiments showed that ants do not selectively collect small balsam seeds but collect them randomly at about the same rates as other organic and inorganic material. Non-targeted collection however suffices in dispersing small balsam seeds in or near the ant nest thus enhancing plant establishment, growth and reproduction.I. parviflora density in the forest floor was 3.06 plants per m2 while I. parviflora density reached 82.68 plants per m2 in and around ant nests I. parviflora individuals growing on nest mounds were significantly larger, showed more flowers and produced more seeds than plants established on the surrounding forest floor. Better growth of I. parviflora on and around ant nests corresponded with significantly higher nutrient content, especially of nitrates and available phosphorus in ant nests. Ant nests also showed higher pH values and available potassium, sodium and calcium.This study thus found that red wood ants contribute to the expansion of I. parviflora by soil transformation and non-targeted seed dispersal in an otherwise nutrient-poor environment where the plant would otherwise struggle to flourish.

Four new species of aphids (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aphididae) for the Hungarian fauna

Three native and an alien species of aphids are reported from Hungary for the first time. Aphis (Aphis) parietariae Theobald, 1923 was collected from Parietaria officinalis L., Amphorophora (Amphorophora) ampullata Buckton, 1876 from Dryopteris filix-mas (L.) Schott, while Staticobium gmelini Bozhko, 1950 from Limonium gmelini subsp. hungaricum (Klokov) Soó. The alien Impatientinum (Impatientinum) balsamines (Kaltenbach, 1862) was collected from the invasive weed Impatiens parviflora DC. Distinctive morphological and biological characteristics of already known Hungarian specimens of Impatientinum (Impatientinum) asiaticum Nevsky, 1929 and Staticobium latifoliae (Bozhko, 1950) are given in the text. These are the first Hungarian aphid records from male fern and from pellitory-of-the-wall.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SOME IMPATIENS (BALSAMINACEAE) SPECIES BY THE CONTENT OF FLAVONOIDS AND ASCORBIC ACID

The present study has been conducted in the Moscow region. It is necessary to understand how individual plant organs of invasive species of Impatiens L. (Balsaminaceae) can be promising for further study, with the aim of using them as sources of medicines. Plant material was collected during the flowering time and at the beginning of fruiting (September, 2019–2020): Impatiens glandulifera Royle (Himalayan Balsam) has been studied in 3 populations; I. parviflora DC. (Small Balsam), – also in 3 populations, but I. parviflora (lilac forma) – in one population. We took the native species I. noli-tangere L. (Touch-me-not Balsam), rarely seen in the Moscow region, for comparison. It has been studied in one population. The aim of this study was to determine the content of the sum of flavonoids and ascorbic acid in the vegetative and generative organs in 2 invasive species: I. glandulifera, I. parviflora (including its lilac-flowered form), and in the native species I. noli-tangere. The biochemical analysis of 60 samples of species I. glandulifera и I. parviflora allowed us to determine the level of content of the sum of flavonoids and ascorbic acid in various organs of alien plants widespread in Russia, and to compare them. It has been found for the first time that the maximum amount of flavonoids (up to 3%, in terms of absolutely dry raw materials) in I. parviflora and I. glandulifera is concentrated in flowers, and in smaller amounts it is concentrated in leaves, fruits and stems. The analysis of ascorbic acid has shown that the maximum content of vitamin C is found in flowers: in I. glandulifera - up to 17 mg%; in I. parviflora – up to 15 mg% (in terms of absolutely dry raw materials). The native species I. noli-tangere has no difference from the invasive species Impatiens in the content of the studied biologically active substances in the vegetative organs. The accumulation of secondary metabolites in plant organs has revealed no significant differences between the typical yellow-flowered and lilac-flowered forms of I. parviflora, which serves as an additional confirmation of their taxonomic proximity.

Formation of invasive populations of Impatiens L. in the Moscow region (Central Russia)

The facts of the appearance and distribution of invasive species Impatiens glandulifera Royle and I. parviflora DC were studied. (Balsaminaceae) in the Moscow region (Central Russia). Field route methods, analysis of herbarium collections (MHA, MW) for the period 1880-2021 and numerous observations of invasive Impatiens L. species available in Open Access (online) were used. Maps were compiled showing the formation of modern invasive populations of Impatiens in the study region. The historical features of the dynamics of the development of the invasive process in each species are noted. It was revealed that the first finds of I. parviflora in the Moscow region were made several decades earlier than I. glandulifera. In the invasive process, I. parviflora has a lag-phase period lasting more than 70 years; in I. glandulifera, this period is about 50 years. The exponential phase falls on 1960-1970, when the rate of appearance of invasive populations increases significantly and active naturalization of both species begins. It should be noted that I. parviflora prevails over I. glandulifera in terms of the rate of development of biocenoses in the region, which is characterized by a narrower ecological optimum. Currently, I. parviflora covers the entire territory of the Moscow region, with the exception of one remote area. Invasive populations of this species are concentrated in coniferous-broad-leaved and small-leaved forests, on wastelands and glades, including areas with dry soil. The invasive range of I. glandulifera in 2021 is almost as extensive, but unlike the previous species, it is characterized by ecological specificity, since the species prefers humid habitats, grows along the banks of reservoirs, rivers and streams, and along damp ditches.

Mycobiota of infected organs of small balsam (Impatiens parviflora DC.) seeds in Wigry National Park

Health status monitoring of alien and invasive plant, small balsam (Impatiens parviflora DC.), has been carried out in the Wigry National Park for 5 years, since 2016. The aim of this study was to assess the species composition of the mycobiota inhabiting the infected organs of the Impatiens. Collection of plant organs with disease symptoms was carried out from the emergence of I. parviflora seedlings (May) until the end of the growing season (September) at 3–4 week intervals in the years 2017–2021 at 30 research sites. During the research, a total of 920 colonies were isolated: 704 from leaves, 205 from shoots and 11 from cotyledons, belonging to 52 taxa. During the research, 7 symptoms of the disease were observed: 3 on the stems, one on the cotyledons, 3 on the leaves and also deer feeding damage. The species Alternaria alternata had the highest share in the majority of disease symptoms, accounting for 4 to 81% of all fungi isolated.

Multidirectional anti-melanoma effect of galactolipids (MGDG-1 and DGDG-1) from Impatiens parviflora DC. and their synergy with doxorubicin

The anti-melanoma potential of galactolipids: MGDG-1 and DGDG-1, isolated from Impatiens parviflora, and their synergistic effect with anticancer drug – doxorubicin (DOX) was investigated. Both compounds demonstrated time- and dose-dependent cytotoxicity against human melanoma cells of different metastatic potential. MGDG-1 was more effective than DGDG-1, with the highest activity against A375 cell line (IC50 = 15.14 μg/mL). Both compounds acted selectively, were devoid of hepatotoxicity or mutagenicity. Additionally, MGDG-1 proved to be a tyrosinase inhibitor.Co-administration of MGDG-1 and DGDG-1 with DOX revealed a synergistic cytotoxic effect on melanoma cells. The cytotoxicity of all tested MGDG-1/DOX and DGDG-1/DOX cocktails was considerably higher than that of each agent administered alone. MGDG-1/DOX (Mix3) reduced the viability of A375 melanoma cells almost totally and this effect was 2-fold more potent as compared to DOX alone. Our study indicates that the overall effect is enhanced with the increasing concentration of MGDG-1 in the cocktail. These results open up a possibility for lowering therapeutic doses of chemotherapeutics such as doxorubicin when co-administrated with galactolipids. Thus, MGDG-1 can be prospectively considered as multidirectional anti-melanoma agent and can be recommended for further in vitro and in vivo studies, especially in search for effective combined therapy.

Cd and Pb in the “soil-plant” system of Holosiyiv green park area in Kyiv

In this paper, the content of metals (Cd and Pb) was investigated in soil-plant system of Holosiyiv green park area in Kyiv. Kyiv is the capital and largest city of Ukraine, and has an anthropogenic load. Metals pollution in various degrees in green park areas may affect people’s health through different paths. We propose to control the lead contamination in soil because Pb concentration levels were above when compared with background values in almost all samples of soil and exceeded the maximum permissible concentration in sites of top of hills in park. Moreover, the obtained results indicated high concentrations of lead in studied plants; most of them are medicinal and traditionally used by people. The highest phytomass concentration of Pb was observed in Asarum europaeum L., whereas Impatiens parviflora DC and Urtica dioica L. had the highest plant up-taking indexes for both studied metals.

Comparative floral and pollen morphology of some invasive and native impatiens species

To evaluate the hypothesis of competitive superiority of invasive species, we compared the invasive Impatiens parviflora DC. and I. Glandulifera royle, the naturalized I. Nevskii pobed. and the native I. Noli-tangere L. in the flowers’ morphometric characters at different phases of anthesis. The characters in which alien species have a competitive superiority over closely related I. Noli-tangere are revealed. Morphological variability was studied by morphometric observations of the following characters: bud: length and diameter; spurred sepal: length and width; spur: length and diameter; lateral sepal: length and width; largest petal: length and death; large lobe of lateral petal: length and width; small lobe of lateral petal: length and width; anther: length; stamen’s filament: length; calyptra: length and width; ovary: length and diameter; length of a style, length of a stigma. There is a tendency for alien Impatiens species of the earlier development of androecium and gynoecium: сaliptra is formed at the stage of uncolored bud, the pistil is differentiated in ovary, short style and stigma is formed at the stage of colored bud. No other flowers’ morphometric characters, representing competitive advantage of the invasive I. Glandulifera and I. Parviflora over the native I. Noli-tangere and naturalized I. Nevskii were identified.

Development and approbation of methodology for monitoring invasive plant species: the Case of Latvia

Categorisation of invasive alien species based on their impact is an important way to improve the management of biological invasions. The impact of 35 alien plant species in Latvia was evaluated based on information in the literature and certain studies of their environmental and socio-economic impacts. As a result, 15 priority monitorable species, or the Black List, have been evaluated, for which seven of the nine criteria set were met. The other 20 invasive plant species make up the list of monitorable invasive plants, or the Grey List. The list and methodology developed during the study were approbated in the vegetation season of 2016 in 16 randomly selected monitoring quadrates, which were further stratified according to geobotanical regions of Latvia, which is proportionally 1,57% from all 1017 quadrates of Latvia. In total, 34 alien species were identified during approbation of methodology as showing signs of invasiveness: 10 from Black List, 10 from Gray List and 14 other invasive species, not included in the monitorable species list of developed monitoring methodology. In general, half of the species found during approbation of the methodology are trees and shrubs that were deliberately imported into Latvia in the past to be used in landscape gardening. A large proportion (41%) of the invasive species encountered come from North America. The most commonly encountered invasive species are Elodea canadensis Michx., Impatiens parviflora DC. and Solidago canadensis L. The data obtained through the field approbation show that the areas rich in invasive species are covered by forests and transit corridors, but the areas where no invasive species have been detected are transition mires and raised bogs as well as intensively managed farmland. Following the developed methodology, it was concluded that 50% of the quadrates to be monitored should be randomly selected while maintaining the principle of geobotanical regions, while the other 50% should be selected in previously known invasive plant populations.

Palmatine from Unexplored Rutidea parviflora Showed Cytotoxicity and Induction of Apoptosis in Human Ovarian Cancer Cells.

Ovarian cancer ranks amongst the deadliest cancers in the gynaecological category of cancers. This research work aims to evaluate in vitro anti-ovarian cancer activities and identify phytochemical constituents of a rarely explored plant species—Rutidea parviflora DC. The aqueous and organic extracts of the plant were evaluated for cytotoxicity using sulforhodamine B assay in four ovarian cancer cell lines and an immortalized human ovarian epithelial (HOE) cell line. The bioactive compounds were isolated and characterized by gas/liquid chromatography mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Caspase 3/7 activity assay, western blotting and flow cytometry were carried out to assess apoptotic effects of active compounds. The extracts/fractions of R. parviflora showed promising anti-ovarian cancer activities in ovarian cancer cell lines. A principal cytotoxic alkaloid was identified as palmatine whose IC50 was determined as 5.5–7.9 µM. Palmatine was relatively selective towards cancer cells as it was less cytotoxic toward HOE cells, also demonstrating interestingly absence of cross-resistance in cisplatin-resistant A2780 cells. Palmatine further induced apoptosis by increasing caspase 3/7 activity, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase cleavage, and annexin V and propidium iodide staining in OVCAR-4 cancer cells. Our studies warranted further investigation of palmatine and R. parviflora extracts in preclinical models of ovarian cancer.

Anti-inflammatory activity of saponins from roots of Impatiens parviflora DC.

Two triterpene saponins (IPS-1, IPS-2) for the first time were isolated from the roots of Impatiens parviflora DC. (Balsaminaceae). Their anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by means of two in vitro models: anti-hyaluronidase and anti-denaturation assays. Both saponins were shown to be potent hyaluronidase inhibitors that affect the enzyme in a dose-dependent manner. The anti-hyaluronidase effect of IPS-2 (IC50 = 286.7 µg/mL) was higher than that of the reference drug: escin (IC50 = 303.93 µg/mL). Both saponins protected bovine serum albumin from heat-induced denaturation in a dose-dependent manner. IPS-1 demonstrated higher anti-denaturation effect (IC50 = 86.7 µg/ml) than IPS-2 (IC50 = 109.76 µg/mL) or the standard drug: acetylsalicylic acid (IC50 = 262.22 µg/mL). In conclusion, potent activity of IPS-1, IPS-2 in both in vitro assays shows that saponins from I. parviflora have anti-inflammatory activity. The obtained results allow to suggest that such compounds may be beneficial in inflammatory conditions, especially associated with excessive degradation of hyaluronic acid.

Biological Traits of Impatiens parviflora DC. under Different Habitat Conditions

Small balsam Impatiens parviflora DC. (Balsaminaceae) is the invasive species that colonises natural European forest. The morphological and physiological traits of the species under different natural conditions were analysed. The studies were carried out in the forest communities in the National Park (Ojców National Park – Southern Poland) with the known history of the plot: P1 – bottom of the valley, Alno-Ulmion Br.-Bl. et R.Tx. 1943, P2 – terrace of the valley, Tilio-Carpinetum Tracz. 1962 stachyetosum, P3 – south slope of the valley, Tilio-Carpinetum Tracz. 1962 typicum. The plots differed with the soil parameters and microclimatic conditions as well as with species richness, species composition and cover of I. parviflora. The significant statistical differences in the length of the aboveground parts of collected small balsam specimens on the studied plots were showed. The longest shoots among specimens growing in plot P1, and the shortest in plot P3 were observed. In the above ground part of plants, the highest values of water content among the specimens on plot P1 and the lowest on plot P3 were revealed. The highest percentage of electrolytes leakage among the specimens from the plot P2 and the lowest of the plot P1 were observed. The significant differences of the chlorophyll a fluorescence of I. parviflora leaves on the plot P2 were observed, compared to specimens from the two remaining plots. The results pointed that disturbance light availability in dense forest canopy could influence on abundance the local population of small balsam.

Two new triterpenoid saponins from the leaves of Impatiens parviflora DC. and their cytotoxic activity

Two new triterpene saponins, camelliagenin A derivatives, were isolated from the leaves of Impatiens parviflora DC. (Balsaminaceae). Their structures were determined based on a combination of one- and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques, and mass spectrometry, as 3-O-{[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-]-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]}- β-d-glucuronopyranoside 16-O-acetyl-3β,22α,28-trihydroxy-olean-12-ene (named IPS-1) and 3-O-{[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→3)-]-[β-d-glucopyranosyl-(1→2)]}- β-d-glucuronopyranoside 3β,16α,22α,28-tetrahydroxy-olean-12-ene (named IPS-2). This is the first report on saponins in I. parviflora. Also, camelliagenin derivatives have been found in the Balsaminaceae family for the first time. Novel saponin IPS-1 exhibited interesting cytotoxicity profile against human prostate an melanoma cancer cells with highest cytotoxic activity against A375 cell line (IC50 41.19μg/mL). Moreover, both isolated saponins were devoid of mutagenic potential against all tested strains. The obtained results allow to suggest that I. parviflora should be considered as a source of new promising bioactive metabolite.

Changes in the structure of ant assemblages in broad-leafed forests with domination of Impatiens parviflora Dc. (Balsaminaceae) in herbaceous layer

In June–August of 2012–2013, changes in the structure of multispecies ant assemblages caused by invasive plant species Impatiens parviflora in deciduous forests of the green zone of Kiev, Ukraine, were studied. This species–transformer is able to penetrate into ecosystems and change their shape by forming single–species thickets. Data on ant’s attendance of each of the 7 species of herbaceous forest plants were compared. The comparison showed that I. parviflora is the most attended herbaceous forest plant by ants. Fourteen ant species were found in the areas where I. parviflora dominated in the grass layer. Three species of ants, Formica rufa, Lasius fuliginosus, and L. emarginatus, are dominants. When becoming a dominant species in the grass layer of forests, I. parviflora is attended mainly by influent ant species. The main resource provided by I. parviflora to ants is the sugary excretions of aphids Impatientinum asiaticum colonies. Dominant ant species, except for L. emarginatus, do not attend I. parviflora plants, which gives the ability of creating high dynamic density in the grass layer to influent species without the influence of dominants. Influents prefer to attend the herbaceous layer, whereas dominants prefer the ground layer. Influence of I. parviflora on quantitative parameters in multispecies ant assemblages is generally estimated positively. In plant communities, where I. parviflora dominates in the grass layer, the assemblages of ants are characterized by maximum values (ant species number and medium number of ants per sample) compared with other communities formed by native herbaceous plants.

Effect of invasive herb species on the structure of soil yeast complexes in mixed forests exemplified by Impatiens parviflora DC

Yeast abundance and diversity in a mixed forest sod-podzol soil under Impatiens parviflora DC plants was studied in comparison with unimpaired aboriginal herbaceous plants typical of the Mid-Russian secondary, after-forest meadow. The study was carried out throughout the vegetation period. Standard microbiological plating techniques revealed 36 yeast species. Typical pedobiotic (Cryptococcus podzolicus, Wickerhamomyces anomalus) and eurybiotic yeast species (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa) predominated in both biotopes. The relative abundance of the autochthonous soil yeast species Cryptococcus podzolicus was higher in the soil under aboriginal herbs than under Impatiens parviflora. Sites with aboriginal vegetation were also characterized by high abundance of the pedogamous species Schwanniomyces castelli and Torulaspora delbrueckii. The share of yeastlike Trichosporon fungi with high hydrolytic activity was considerably higher under adventitious plants Impatiens parviflora, as well as in the previously studied soil under Heracleum sosnowskyi.

In vitro anti-denaturation and anti-hyaluronidase activities of extracts and galactolipids from leaves of Impatiens parviflora DC

The in vitro anti-denaturation and anti-hyaluronidase activities of Impatiens parviflora extracts and isolated galactolipids (MGDG-1, DGDG-1) were investigated. This is the first report on these compounds in I. parviflora. All extracts showed anti-hyaluronidase activity, but only methanolic extract from fresh leaves exhibited significant activity against heat-induced denaturation of BSA in a dose-dependent manner. At 500 μg/mL, the extract and the reference drug showed 79.05% and 99.81% inhibition of protein denaturation, respectively. These results indicate that fresh leaves of I. parviflora may be beneficial in inflammatory conditions, especially those associated with protein denaturation, such as rheumatoid arthritis. The study revealed that only MGDG-1 showed weak activity in anti-denaturation assay but both galactolipids were potent inhibitors of hyaluronidase. MGDG-1 completely inhibited the enzyme activity at the concentration of 127.9 μg/mL. These results indicate the potential of galactolipids in the treatment of diseases associated with the loss of hyaluronic acid.

The spread of Impatiens parviflora DC. in Central European oak forests – another stage of invasion?

In this study, we examine the pattern of occurrence of <em>Impatiens parviflora</em> in Central European oak forests over time and its ecological requirements within these types of communities. Research was based on phytosociological data collected in 3776 relevés. A modified TWINSPAN algorithm were used to distinguish the groups of oak forests. The ecological preferences of the <em>I. parviflora</em> and studied communities as well as differences between invaded and non-invaded vegetation plots were analyzed using mean weighted Ellenberg indicator values (EIVs). Finally, both the temporal pattern of <em>I. parviflora</em> participation and changes in its coverage in the studied communities were analyzed. Our study confirmed a high adaptability of this species with respect to temperature, moisture, soil reaction and nutrients and determined its broad ecological optimum in oak forests. However, it also revealed both a greater sensitivity of some communities within Central European oak forests to the invasion of <em>I. parviflora</em> and differences in habitat conditions between invaded and non-invaded vegetation plots. This suggests that the habitat niche of <em>I. parviflora</em> within oak forests is not accidental. The analysis of temporal changes in the frequency of <em>I. parviflora</em> confirmed a 20% increase in relevés over the last 50 years. However, we did not identify any statistically significant rise in the coverage of <em>I. parviflora</em> in oak forests specifically during the studied period.

The influence of the groundlayer structure on the invasion of small balsam (Impatiens parviflora DC.) to natural and degraded forests

<em>Impatiens parviflora</em> DC. was brought to European botanic gardens in 1837, from which it escaped and spread over almost the entire continent colonising predominantly synanthropic habitats. However, in the second half of the 20th century it also became permanently naturalised in natural deciduous forests. The causes of small balsam's success in colonisation of new habitats are not known. They may include either the continuous degradation of forest phytocoenoses or those properties of the alien species that allow it to colonise degraded habitats more effectively as compared to the native species. The aim of this paper was to verify the hypothesis on the relationship between the floristic and structural degradation of the herbaceous or groundlayer and its resistance to the invasion of <em>I. parviflora</em>. The investigations were carried out in the Forest Reserve "Las Bielański" in Warsaw using 30 transects that crossed natural floodplain forests and natural and degraded lime-hornbeam forests. The study has shown that: (1)there is a significant negative correlation between the species richness and cover of the groundlayer and the frequency, cover, and density of the population of <em>I. parviflora</em>; (2) small balsam easily penetrates into degraded and floristically impoverished communities; (3) dense groundlayer of the natural communities provides an effective barrier to the expansion of <em>I. parviflora</em>. This expansion is promoted by such disturbances of the groundlayer that induce formation of gaps providing safe microsites for seed germination and further growth of seedlings.

Habitat overlap of the invasive Impatiens parviflora DC with its native congener I. noli-tangere L.

Small balsam, or Impatiens parviflora, is one of the most invasive herbaceous alien species in European temperate forests, and is increasingly found in the same sites as its native congener I. noli-tangere. The aim of this study was to explore the habitat range of both species and determine whether overlap occurs. Vegetation surveys were conducted in 13 Belgian sites. We performed 139 releves according to the following stratification: pure plots of the invasive balsam, pure plots of the native balsam, mixed plots with both species and plots without either of the two species. Soil characteristics were analyzed (pH, organic matter, C/N ratio and cations) and Ellenberg indicator values were used for light and soil moisture. We assessed species affinities for both Impatiens using indicator species analysis. Discriminant analysis was carried out to assign the sample plots to certain vegetation types. Vegetation and soil characteristics indicated that the species have considerable habitat overlap. This overlap is indicated by similar communities among releves and by the failure of discriminant analysis to correctly assign plots. Populations of both Impatiens species are surrounded by an unsuitable habitat that probably limited their spread. In conclusion, we predicted that the alien balsam could spread rapidly with the help of human disturbance and transport, and could compete with the native congener.