Herb latin name: Impatiens sulcata


Synonyms: Impatiens gigantea


Family: Balsaminaceae (Touch-me-not Family)



Edible parts of Impatiens sulcata:

Leaves. No more details are given, but some caution is advised, see the notes above on toxicity. Seed - raw. Pickled. No more details are given, but the seeds are difficult to harvest in quantity. This is mainly because of their exploding seed capsules which scatter the ripe seed at the slightest touch. An edible oil is obtained from the seed. Ripe fruits - raw. A confusing report, the plant produces a capsule surrounding the seeds.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Annual


Height:
150 cm
(5 feet)

Habitat of the herb:

Humus-rich soils in forests, shrubberies and cultivated areas, 1800 - 4000 metres.

Propagation of Impatiens sulcata:

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.

Cultivation of the herb:

Humus-rich soils in forests, shrubberies and cultivated areas, 1800 - 4000 metres.

Medicinal use of Impatiens sulcata:

None known

Known hazards of Impatiens sulcata:

Regular ingestion of large quantities of these plants can be dangerous due to their high mineral content. This report, which seems nonsensical, might refer to calcium oxalate. This mineral is found in I. capensis and so is probably also in other members of the genus. It can be harmful raw but is destroyed by thoroughly cooking or drying the plant. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones and hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet.

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.