Himalayan balsam (Impatiens taprobanica)
Description
Impatiens glandulifera is a large annual plant native to the Himalayas. Via human introduction it is now present across much of the Northern Hemisphere and is considered an invasive species in many areas. It typically grows to 1 to 2 m (3.3 to 6.6 ft) high, with a soft green or red-tinged stem, and lanceolate leaves 5 to 23 cm (2.0 to 9.1 in) long. The crushed foliage has a strong musty smell. Below the leaf stems the plant has glands that produce a sticky, sweet-smelling, and edible nectar. The flowers are pink, with a hooded shape, 3 to 4 cm (1- to 1- in) tall and 2 cm (- in) broad; the flower shape has been compared to a policeman's helmet. After flowering between June and October, the plant forms seed pods 2 to 3 cm (- to 1- in) long and 8 mm broad (- in), which explode when disturbed, scattering the seeds up to 7 metres (23 feet). The green seed pods, seeds, young leaves and shoots are all edible. The flowers can be turned into a jam or parfait.
Taxonomic tree
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Domain: Eukarya
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Kingdom: Plantae
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Phylum: Magnoliophyta
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Class: Magnoliopsida
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Order: Ericales
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Family: Balsaminaceae
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Genus: Impatiens
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