Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Ericales
Genus:
Species:
capensis
ID:
730991

Status:
valid

Authors:
Meerb.

Source:
cmp

Year:
1775

Citation Micro:
Afb. Zeldz. Gew. : 8 (1775)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000730324

Common Names

  • Impatiens capensis
  • Cape Impatiens
  • Cape Jewelweed

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Synonyms

  • Balsamina fulva (Nutt.) Ser. [unknown]
  • Chrysaea biflora (Walter) Nieuwl. & Lunell [unknown]
  • Impatiens biflora Walter [unknown]
  • Impatiens fulva Nutt. [unknown]
  • Impatiens nortonii Rydb. [unknown]
  • Impatiens capensis capensis [unknown]
  • Impatiens noli-tangere biflora (Walter) Hultén [unknown]

Description

Impatiens capensis (also called Cape Impatiens, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the Balsaminaceae family. It is an evergreen shrub, typically growing up to 1 m tall. It is native to tropical regions of Africa, including Burundi, Rwanda, and Tanzania. It is commonly found in moist, shady areas, such as rainforests and riverbanks.

Uses & Benefits

Impatiens capensis is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and as a houseplant. It is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Impatiens capensis for. albiflora (E.L.Rand & Redfield) Fernald & B.G.Schub.
Impatiens capensis for. peasei (A.H.Moore ex Weath.) Fernald & B.G.Schub.
Impatiens capensis for. citrina (Weath.) Fernald & B.G.Schub.
Impatiens capensis for. immaculata (Weath.) Fernald & B.G.Schub.
Impatiens capensis for. platymeris (Weath.) Fernald & B.G.Schub.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Impatiens capensis is a white or pinkish-white, five-petaled bloom with a yellow center. The seed is a small, black, round seed. The seedlings are small, dark green, and have a single pair of leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Impatiens capensis is a perennial plant that can be grown from seed or cuttings. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. Propagation from seed is best done in spring or early summer. Cuttings should be taken in late summer or early fall. The cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and planted in a moist, well-drained soil mix. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location until they have rooted.

Where to Find Impatiens capensis

Impatiens capensis is native to South Africa and can be found in the Eastern Cape province.

Impatiens capensis FAQ

What are the common names of Impatiens capensis?

Common names of Impatiens capensis include Cape balsam and African touch-me-not.

What is the natural habitat of Impatiens capensis?

Impatiens capensis is native to tropical Africa.

What is the growth habit of Impatiens capensis?

Impatiens capensis is an annual plant that grows up to 3 feet tall and has a spreading, bushy habit.

Species in the Impatiens genus

Impatiens clavata, Impatiens pacifica, Impatiens academiae-moguntiae, Impatiens ambahatrensis, Impatiens ambanizanensis, Impatiens ampokafoensis, Impatiens andapensis, Impatiens ankaranensis, Impatiens bardotiae, Impatiens barthlottii, Impatiens befiananensis, Impatiens betsomangae, Impatiens carlsoniae, Impatiens druartii, Impatiens fianarantsoae, Impatiens georgei-schatzii, Impatiens guillaumetii, Impatiens haingosonii, Impatiens laurentii, Impatiens maevae, Impatiens mahalevonensis, Impatiens mamyi, Impatiens messmerae, Impatiens nanatonanensis, Impatiens nguruensis, Impatiens nicolliae, Impatiens nidus-apis, Impatiens nomenyae, Impatiens nosymangabensis, Impatiens nusbaumeri, Impatiens pachycaulon, Impatiens paranyi, Impatiens rakotomalazana, Impatiens rapanarivoi, Impatiens razanatsoa-charlei, Impatiens rupestris, Impatiens salifii, Impatiens saolana, Impatiens scenarioi, Impatiens tafononensis, Impatiens tsararavina, Impatiens tsingycola, Impatiens volatianae, Impatiens acaulis, Impatiens acehensis, Impatiens agumbeana, Impatiens ahernii, Impatiens alboflava, Impatiens alborosea, Impatiens aliciae,

Species in the Balsaminaceae family

Hydrocera triflora, Impatiens clavata, Impatiens pacifica, Impatiens academiae-moguntiae, Impatiens ambahatrensis, Impatiens ambanizanensis, Impatiens ampokafoensis, Impatiens andapensis, Impatiens ankaranensis, Impatiens bardotiae, Impatiens barthlottii, Impatiens befiananensis, Impatiens betsomangae, Impatiens carlsoniae, Impatiens druartii, Impatiens fianarantsoae, Impatiens georgei-schatzii, Impatiens guillaumetii, Impatiens haingosonii, Impatiens laurentii, Impatiens maevae, Impatiens mahalevonensis, Impatiens mamyi, Impatiens messmerae, Impatiens nanatonanensis, Impatiens nguruensis, Impatiens nicolliae, Impatiens nidus-apis, Impatiens nomenyae, Impatiens nosymangabensis, Impatiens nusbaumeri, Impatiens pachycaulon, Impatiens paranyi, Impatiens rakotomalazana, Impatiens rapanarivoi, Impatiens razanatsoa-charlei, Impatiens rupestris, Impatiens salifii, Impatiens saolana, Impatiens scenarioi, Impatiens tafononensis, Impatiens tsararavina, Impatiens tsingycola, Impatiens volatianae, Impatiens acaulis, Impatiens acehensis, Impatiens agumbeana, Impatiens ahernii, Impatiens alboflava, Impatiens alborosea,

References