Impatiens - Balsam family

Impatiens glandulifera Indian Balsam (Policeman’s helmet, Stinky-pops, Jumping Jacks, Bee-bums, Poor-man’s orchid or Himalayan Balsam) is the most recently introduced member of this family, but far and away the most widespread. It is an annual and spreads readily down riverbank displacing the existing flora to the horror of ecologists and delight of the bee-keepers.

Impatiens noli-tangere Touch-me-not Balsam is the only native member of the family, although perhaps not in Lanarkshire.

Impatiens parviflora Small Balsam was introduced from Russia and can establish large colonies in damp woods.

Impatiens glandulifera NS6762 05Aug2018 PW

Impatiens glandulifera NS5857 20July2018 PW

Even the seedling can be identified.

Impatiens glandulifera NS7356 21Apr18 PW

The aptly named Touch-me-not Balsalm looks so frail, you don’t want to risk knocking the flower off, but the reason it has this name is due to the habit of the ripe seeds hurling their seeds awat when touched.

way when touched.Impatiens noli-tangere NS6761 28July19 PW

Impatiens noli-tangere NS6761 28July19 PW

The flower might be confused with a Monkey-flower, but only from this angle.

Impatiens noli-tangere NS6761 28July19 PW

Impatiens parviflora NS5667 10Aug19 PW