Beginning of the Invasion of Impatiens glandulifera (Balsaminaceae) in Armenia

The intensive invasion of the species Impatiens glandulifera was discovered during a route survey organised in 2023 in the areas where potentially invasive alien plant species was already registered. As determined, the main population has been experiencing a substantial increase since 1991, going from just 10–15 individuals to around 500. Additionally, a separate population of this species was found over 6 km away from the initial locality with over 700 individuals. It is assumed that the species was introduced as an ornamental plant for cultivation on an erf, from where it “escaped” and naturalised in a semi-natural habitat. The paper presents history of the introduction, establishment as well as current status of the discovered populations in Armenia. Hence, further research and monitoring of the entire population are necessary to determine the vector of penetration, predict the further spread of this species, and develop control measures.