Balsaminaceae

Balsaminaceae is a family consisting of more than 900 species which occur world-wide. However, the diversity is concentrated in tropical and subtropical Africa. Both leaves and stems are are often fleshy. There are two genera, Hydrocera and Impatiens. The genus Hydrocera contains only one species which is restricted to India and SE Asia. Impatiens is the most well known in the family, which is very diverse and have important horticultural and economic values. Some species are tuberous. Pictured below is a photo of Impatiens tinctoria photographed by John Grimshaw.