Balsaminaceae

Balsaminaceae, the balsam family, is a small group of flowering plants that comprises two genera: Hydrocera and Impatiens. The family is estimated to include around 1000 species, with Hydrocera monotypic (Hydrocera triflora) and Impatiens containing the majority of species, many of which are cultivated as ornamentals.

Plants in this family are typically herbaceous, annuals or perennials, often with slender stems. Leaves are simple, usually serrate, and arranged alternately or in whorls. Flowers are typically irregular (zygomorphic) and produced singly or in short inflorescences; many species have showy flowers with features such as a spur that can attract pollinators. The fruit is a capsule that dehisces explosively when ripe, ejecting seeds. This explosive seed dispersal is a distinctive trait of the group and is the source of the common name associated with Impatiens.

Distribution and habitat: Balsaminaceae has a broad, primarily tropical and subtropical distribution, with representatives in temperate regions. They occur in moist environments such as forest understories, wetlands, and along streams, and several species are valued as ornamentals in gardens and containers.

Ecology and cultivation: Impatiens species attract pollinators including bees and butterflies. Numerous cultivars and hybrids are grown worldwide for shade gardens and indoor containers; garden balsam (Impatiens balsamina) is among the best-known cultivated species.

Conservation: Some wild species are threatened by habitat loss and overcollection in certain regions; ex situ cultivation and habitat protection are important for their preservation.