Impatiens parviflora

Small Balsam
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Asterids
Order: Ericales
Family: Balsaminaceae
Genus: Impatiens
Species: I. parviflora
Binomial name
Impatiens parviflora
DC.
Flower

Impatiens parviflora (Small Balsam or Small-flowered Touch-me-not) is a species of annual herbaceous plants in the family Balsaminaceae, native to some areas of Eurasia, naturalized elsewhere and found in damp shady places. Impatiens parviflora can grow in sandy, loamy, and clay soils and prefer moist soil.[1]

Pollination

Impatiens parviflora flowers are considered hermaphroditic which means that they contain both stamen (male) and pistil (female) structures. These plants are largely pollinated by insects.[2]

Uses

Impatiens parviflora has many uses. If cooked, the leaves are completely edible. You can eat the seeds either raw or cooked. It is also used as a treatment for warts, ringworm, and nettle stings. Impatiens parviflora is also used for a hair rinse to relieve an itchy scalp.[1]

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 Elemans, Marjet. "Light, nutrients and the growth of herbaceous forest species" Acta Oecologica 2004, vol. 26, pp. 197-202.
  2. Tavers,S.E., Temeles, E.J. and I. Pan. "The relationship between nectar spur curvature in jewelweed ( Impatients capensis)and pollen removal by hummingbird pollinators" Canadian Journal of Botany, 2003, vol. 81, pp. 164-170.

External links