Impatiens balsamina
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| Impatiens balsamina |
Impatiens balsamina (Balsamina hortensis) is the Latin name for garden balsam, also called spotted snapweed or touch-me-not. Native to southern Asia and south east Asia, it was introduced to America in the 19th century. This annual has red, pink, purple, or white blossoms which resemble camelia or orchid and reaches a height of one to three feet. The plant itself grows upright, has a thick stem, and many smooth surfaced, jagged-edged leaves. Though popular with bees, pollinating insects, and even birds, balsam can't survive drought-like conditons. Different parts of the plant are used to treat disease and skin afflctions; the leaves, seeds, and stems are also edible if cooked. Juice from balsam leaves treats warts and also snakebite, while the flower can be applied to burns to cool the skin.
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