What is Impatiens?
Q: What is Impatiens?
A: Impatiens is a genus of approximately 850-1,000 species of flowering plants found in the Northern Hemisphere and tropics.
Q: What family does Impatiens belong to?
A: Impatiens belongs to the family Balsaminaceae, alongside Hydrocera triflora.
Q: Why is Impatiens called "touch-me-not"?
A: Impatiens is called "touch-me-not" because its seed capsules explode when touched, sending seeds several meters away.
Q: What is the mechanism behind the seed capsules of Impatiens exploding?
A: The mechanism behind the seed capsules of Impatiens exploding is called "explosive dehiscence," which is a rapid plant movement.
Q: What is the commercial importance of Impatiens hybrids?
A: Impatiens hybrids, which are typically derived from "Busy Lizzie" and the New Guinea Impatiens, have commercial importance as garden plants.
Q: Where is I. walleriana native to?
A: I. walleriana is native to East Africa.
Q: Can Busy Lizzie become a noxious weed in tropical islands?
A: Yes, Busy Lizzie can become a noxious weed in tropical islands such as Hawaiʻi.
