Zur Ökologie von Impatiens edgeworthii HOOK. f. in Mitteldeutschland

Abstract

Since about 2000 the annual species Impatiens edgeworthii is invading some forests in Central Germany. In moderately shadowy and humid areas the new species is able to replace completely the well-established Impatiens parviflora, itself invasive since 1837, but not able to disturb Impatiens noli-tangere in its native range. The greater height, the longer period of flowering and hence the greater production of seeds enable I. edgeworthii even to outcompete Urtica dioica. In this way I. edgeworthii is creating new plant communities along forest roads and tracks.