Impatiens family
Balsam: Camilia Flowered Mix (Impatiens balsamina)
$1.00 - $5.60
This old fashioned cousin of the garden impatiens originates in the southeastern regions of Asia. Its genus name Impatiens comes from its "impatient" habit of exploding its seeds from their pods at the slightest touch. Dr. John Kirk, chief medical officer and expert botanist on numerous exploratory journeys led by Dr. Livingston, introduced this plant to his homeland. Victorian gardeners often included it in their flowerbeds, but the appearance of more showy hybrid varieties soon overshadowed the modest beauty of this species.