Jewelweed, Himalayan Balsam
Impatiens glandulifera

Family: Balsaminaceae

What it is like

An annual herb. It grows 3 m tall. The flowers hang by a thin stem. They have a distinctively pointed pink hood at the rear.

There are about 850 Impatiens species. It can be invasive.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in wetlands, along streams and in moist forests. In Pakistan it grows between 1,600-4,300 m altitude.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Asia, Britain, Europe, Himalayas, India, Luxembourg, Norway, Pakistan, Scandinavia, Slovenia, South America, USA

How it is used for food

The raw seeds are eaten and are like nuts. They can be used in bread and salads. They can be pressed for their edible oil. The leaves are cooked and used like a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves, seeds, oil

How it is grown

It grows from seed. There are 800 seeds per plant and these are spread out as the fruit explodes. They can be spread 6 m.

Its other names

Local names

Indian Balsam, Kjempespringfre, Policeman's helmet, Royle's balsam, Teoore, Tiifad, žlezava nedotika

Synonyms

Impatiens roylei Walp.