Status:
valid
Authors:
Grey-Wilson
Source:
ksu
Year:
1989
Citation Micro:
Kew Bull. 44: 95 (1989)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000730439
Common Names
- Impatiens elephanticeps
- Elephant-headed Touch-me-not
- Elephant-headed Balsam
Description
Impatiens elephanticeps (also called Elephant's Head Balsam, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Balsaminaceae. It is native to tropical Africa and is found in moist, shady habitats. It is a perennial herb with a creeping habit and has small, white flowers with yellow centers.
Uses & Benefits
Impatiens elephanticeps is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a hedge plant and for topiary. The leaves are used to make a tea that is believed to have medicinal properties.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Impatiens elephanticeps is white or pink with five petals, and the seed is a small, round capsule. The seedlings are small, with a single pair of leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Impatiens elephanticeps is a perennial plant that can be propagated by seed or division. It prefers partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It is tolerant of a wide range of soils, including clay. It can be propagated by seed or division in spring or autumn. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained, sandy soil and kept moist until germination. Division can be done in spring or autumn. The plant should be divided into small clumps and replanted in a well-drained, sandy soil.
Where to Find Impatiens elephanticeps
Impatiens elephanticeps can be found in the tropical rainforests of India, Myanmar, and Thailand.
Impatiens elephanticeps FAQ
What is the scientific name of Impatiens elephanticeps?
Impatiens elephanticeps
What is the common name of Impatiens elephanticeps?
Elephant's Head Balsam
What is the natural habitat of Impatiens elephanticeps?
Forests and shrublands
Species in the Impatiens genus
Impatiens clavata,
Impatiens pacifica,
Impatiens academiae-moguntiae,
Impatiens ambahatrensis,
Impatiens ambanizanensis,
Impatiens ampokafoensis,
Impatiens andapensis,
Impatiens ankaranensis,
Impatiens bardotiae,
Impatiens barthlottii,
Impatiens befiananensis,
Impatiens betsomangae,
Impatiens carlsoniae,
Impatiens druartii,
Impatiens fianarantsoae,
Impatiens georgei-schatzii,
Impatiens guillaumetii,
Impatiens haingosonii,
Impatiens laurentii,
Impatiens maevae,
Impatiens mahalevonensis,
Impatiens mamyi,
Impatiens messmerae,
Impatiens nanatonanensis,
Impatiens nguruensis,
Impatiens nicolliae,
Impatiens nidus-apis,
Impatiens nomenyae,
Impatiens nosymangabensis,
Impatiens nusbaumeri,
Impatiens pachycaulon,
Impatiens paranyi,
Impatiens rakotomalazana,
Impatiens rapanarivoi,
Impatiens razanatsoa-charlei,
Impatiens rupestris,
Impatiens salifii,
Impatiens saolana,
Impatiens scenarioi,
Impatiens tafononensis,
Impatiens tsararavina,
Impatiens tsingycola,
Impatiens volatianae,
Impatiens acaulis,
Impatiens acehensis,
Impatiens agumbeana,
Impatiens ahernii,
Impatiens alboflava,
Impatiens alborosea,
Impatiens aliciae,
Species in the Balsaminaceae family
Hydrocera triflora,
Impatiens clavata,
Impatiens pacifica,
Impatiens academiae-moguntiae,
Impatiens ambahatrensis,
Impatiens ambanizanensis,
Impatiens ampokafoensis,
Impatiens andapensis,
Impatiens ankaranensis,
Impatiens bardotiae,
Impatiens barthlottii,
Impatiens befiananensis,
Impatiens betsomangae,
Impatiens carlsoniae,
Impatiens druartii,
Impatiens fianarantsoae,
Impatiens georgei-schatzii,
Impatiens guillaumetii,
Impatiens haingosonii,
Impatiens laurentii,
Impatiens maevae,
Impatiens mahalevonensis,
Impatiens mamyi,
Impatiens messmerae,
Impatiens nanatonanensis,
Impatiens nguruensis,
Impatiens nicolliae,
Impatiens nidus-apis,
Impatiens nomenyae,
Impatiens nosymangabensis,
Impatiens nusbaumeri,
Impatiens pachycaulon,
Impatiens paranyi,
Impatiens rakotomalazana,
Impatiens rapanarivoi,
Impatiens razanatsoa-charlei,
Impatiens rupestris,
Impatiens salifii,
Impatiens saolana,
Impatiens scenarioi,
Impatiens tafononensis,
Impatiens tsararavina,
Impatiens tsingycola,
Impatiens volatianae,
Impatiens acaulis,
Impatiens acehensis,
Impatiens agumbeana,
Impatiens ahernii,
Impatiens alboflava,
Impatiens alborosea,