Gnome's hatstand

Description:

Impatiens glandulifera typically grows to 1 to 2 m high, with a soft green or red-tinged stem, and lanceolate leaves 5 to 23 cm long. The crushed foliage has a strong musty smell. The flowers are pink, with a hooded shape, 3 to 4 cm tall and 2 cm broad. The flower shape has been compared to a helmet or a hat. After flowering between June and October, the plant forms seed pods 2 to 3 cm long and 8 mm broad, which explode when disturbed, scattering the seeds up to 7 metres. Impatiens, meaning impatient, refers to this method of dispersal. The green seed pods, seeds, young leaves and shoots are all edible.

Habitat:

Impatiens glandulifera is a large annual plant native to the Himalayas. Via human introduction it is now present across much of the northern hemisphere. Impatiens glandulifera tolerates a wide variety of soil types, but requires high soil moisture. Frost sensitivity may be a limiting factor in its distribution outside of its native land. In Himalaya, this species is frost tolerant, and it found at elevations up to 4,000 meters. Gnome's hatstand is partially shade tolerant, and is found in lowland, riparian areas which include moist forests, stream sides, and roadside thickets.

Notes:

Spotted at the parking lot of the National Park De Hoge Veluwe, Holland.