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Balsams, belonging to the genus Impatiens, are currently putting on a vibrant display of blooms in Munnar, offering a captivating visual treat to tourists.

Facts About:

• Locally referred to as Kasithumba and Onappovu.
• Commonly known as 'touch-me-not' due to its seed dispersal mechanism.
• Various names used for these plants include balsams, touch-me-nots, and jewel weeds.

Distribution:

• Natively found in tropical, sub-tropical, and northern temperate regions worldwide.
• Predominantly present in India, China, Africa, and scattered regions of Europe and North America.
• India boasts 220 balsam species, with 135 of them thriving in the southern Western Ghats.
• The Western Ghats, including Anamudi, its highest peak, host diverse wild balsam varieties.
• Typically, balsams complete their life cycle between June and December.
• These fleshy, herbaceous plants are often found in pockets within forested areas.
• They thrive in humid habitats and complete their life cycle during the rainy season.
• Balsams are recognized as significant indicators of climate change.