Friday, 14 February 2014

Impatiens balsamina

凤仙花 is Impatiens balsamina, an annual 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 annual 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
























  





No comments: