Practical
Plants

Impatiens tingens

No photo available

Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
annual
Height
0.6 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Toxicity

Toxicity warning. The historical record reports a hazard for this plant. Do not use it to decide which parts are safe to eat or use medicinally.

Regular ingestion of large quantities of these plants can be dangerous due to their high mineral content[3]. This report, which seems nonsensical, might refer to calcium oxalate. This mineral is found in I. capensis and so is probably also in other members of the genus. It can be harmful raw but is destroyed by thoroughly cooking or drying the plant[K]. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones and hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet[5].

Edible uses

Seed[2]. No further details are given but the seeds are difficult to harvest in quantity, mainly because of their exploding seed capsules which scatter the ripe seed at the slightest touch[K].

Plant part
Seed

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Himalayas from Simla to Sikkim at elevations from 1,500 - 3,000 metres.
Habitat
Not known
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know it it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of the country. This species is quite possibly no more than a synonym of I. racemosa. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in any reasonably good soil[1]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist well-drained humus rich soil in a cool site[4]. This plant has seed capsules that spring open forcibly as the seed ripens to eject the seed a considerable distance. The capsules are sensitive to touch even before the seed is ripe, making seed collection difficult but fun[K].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

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  2. Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing 1976-00-00

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  3. Schofield. J. J. Discovering Wild Plants - Alaska, W. Canada and the Northwest.

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  4. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

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  5. Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. 1995-00-00 ISBN 0-7513-020-31

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