3-10 Balsaminaceae, touch-me-not family

Marian C. Munro; Ruth E. Newell; Nicholas M. Hill

Authors

Marian C. Munro Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS
Ruth E. Newell E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia
Nicholas M. Hill Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Keywords:

Magnoliophyte, touch-me-not family, dicot, touch-me-not, Impatiens, jewelweed

Abstract

Two genera are included in this small family of succulent herbs. Leaves are simple, lobed or toothed, with pinnate veins. The irregular flowers are perfect and twisted, so that they are pendulous. Sepals are three, the lowermost pouch-shaped and reflexed to form a spur, containing a nectary. The irregular corolla is made up of five fused petals. The uppermost is distinct, while the lower is lobed. Five stamens unite to form a cap over the ovary, of 4–5 carpels. Fruit is an explosive dehiscent capsule or a drupe. Photographs by Marian Munro, Martin Thomas. Sean Blaney and David Mazerolle.

Author Biographies

Marian C. Munro, Nova Scotia Museum, Halifax, NS

Curator of Botany (NSPM)

Ruth E. Newell, E. C. Smith Herbarium, Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia

Curator of the E. C. Smith Herbarium (ACAD)

Nicholas M. Hill, Fernhill Institute, Kentville, Nova Scotia; Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia and Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Director; Adjunct Professor