Impatiens sulcata

Family: Balsaminaceae

What it is like

Impatiens sulcata is a ANNUAL growing to 1.5 m (5ft). It is in leaf from April to October, in flower from August to September, and the seeds ripen from September to October. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 1.5

Where it is found

Humus-rich soils in forests, shrubberies and cultivated areas, 1800 - 4000 metres. Understories of Picea forests, along canals, shaded moist places; 3000 - 4000 metres in Tibet.

E. Asia - Himalayas - Kashmir to Bhutan.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves. No more details are given, but some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Seed - raw. Pickled. No more details are given, but the seeds are difficult to harvest in quantity. This is mainly because of their exploding seed capsules which scatter the ripe seed at the slightest touch. An edible oil is obtained from the seed. Ripe fruits - raw. A confusing report, the plant produces a capsule surrounding the seeds.

Oil: Oil

Seed: includes nuts, cereals, peas and beans.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Oil: Vegetable oils have many uses, as lubricants, lighting, soap and paint making, waterproofing etc. This does not include the edible oils unless they are also mentioned as having other uses.

How it is grown

Succeeds in any reasonably good soil. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Prefers a moist well-drained humus rich soil in a cool site. 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.

Propagating it: 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.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Annual

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Regular ingestion of large quantities of these plants can be dangerous due to their high mineral content. 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. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones and hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

I. gigantea. Edgew.