Sickle balsam
Impatiens falcifer

Family: Balsaminaceae

What it is like

An erect herb. It grows about 40 cm high. The leaves are alternate and on stalks. They are oval with teeth along the edge. They are thin in texture. The flowers occur singly. They are yellow and in the axils of leaves. The spur is as long as the rest of the flower. The fruit is a capsule.

There are about 850 Impatiens species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Nepal it grows between 2200-3400 m altitude. In Tibet it grows along riverbanks.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas, India, Nepal, Tibet

How it is used for food

The tender shoots are cooked as a vegetable.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Raja bu bu

Synonyms

Impatiens serrata Benth.;