凤仙花 is Impatiens balsamina, an ann ual
plant of the Balsaminaceae family. In Malaysia, it is known as
bunga keembung in Malay language.
It is native to southern
Asia, but widely cultivated as an ornamental plant throughout
tropical/sub-tropical Asia. Due to its vigorous reproduction, it became
invasive and noxious is many area.
Garden balsam is an ann ual
plant capable to grow up to 1 meter in height. It has thick but
herbaceous stem. The leaves are toothed-margin. The flowers are
brilliantly coloured with red, pink, purple or white. Above all, the most
fascinating and unforgettable feature is the explosive dehiscence seed capsules.
brilliantly coloured flower
seed pods
dehiscenced pod exposing seeds
