Overview
Impatiens myriantha Gilg is a species of flowering plant belonging to the genus Impatiens, also known as Jewelweed or Touch-me-not. It is native to East Africa, specifically found in Kenya and Tanzania, where it grows in the highland forests, usually at about 2000 meters above sea level.
Common Names
The native people of Tanzania and Kenya refer to the plant as 'Mfutandagirane' which means 'let it follow you,' while in some parts of East Africa, the plant is known as 'Christmas bells.' In the global market, Impatiens myriantha Gilg is often marketed under various names, such as Busy Lizzie, Patient Lucy, or Sultana.
Appearance
The plant has a slender stem that grows up to a height of 30 - 60 cm. It has narrow, elliptical leaves that range from bright green to dark green in color and have fine teeth around their edges. The flowers of Impatiens myriantha Gilg are delicate, vivid orange-red, and yellow, with spotted throats and a spur at the base.
Uses
Impatiens myriantha Gilg has various medicinal uses. The plant stems and leaves exude a clear, watery sap, which is rich in alkaloids, flavonoids, and tannins. This sap is believed to have anti-inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, analgesic, anti-recurrent and anti-diabetic properties. It is also used to treat a variety of skin disorders, including eczema, rashes, ringworm, and hives.
Furthermore, Jewelweed is widely used in the cosmetic industry to produce skincare and beauty products such as creams, lotions, and ointments. It is also common in traditional medicine and is used as a natural remedy for various ailments such as upper respiratory infections and liver disorders.
Light requirements
Impatiens myriantha Gilg is a shade-loving plant that prefers partial to full shade. Direct sunlight exposure for a few hours can be harmful to the plant and may lead to leaf scorching.
Temperature requirements
The plant thrives in moderate temperature conditions, preferring temperatures ranging from 18°C to 23°C. Temperatures above or below this range may lead to poor growth and development. Low temperatures below 10°C can cause damage to the plant.
Soil requirements
The Impatiens myriantha Gilg plant prefers well-draining soil, which should be rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should also be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogging can cause root rot.
Cultivation of Impatiens myriantha Gilg
Impatiens myriantha Gilg, commonly known as the Jungle Balsam, is a tropical plant that thrives in warm and humid conditions. When cultivating this plant, it is essential to consider the following aspects:
Watering Needs
Impatiens myriantha Gilg requires frequent watering, especially during the growing season. Water the plants when the soil feels dry to the touch, and avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. When watering, ensure to moisten the soil thoroughly while taking care not to wet the leaves and flowers.
Fertilization
Fertilize Impatiens myriantha Gilg regularly during the growing season. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks to provide the plant with essential nutrients. Avoid over-fertilization, which can cause salt buildup in the soil, leading to stunted growth and root damage.
Pruning
Pruning Impatiens myriantha Gilg helps to promote bushier growth and improve the overall appearance of the plant. Use a sharp, clean pair of scissors or pruning shears to trim back overgrown stems, spent flowers, and yellowing leaves. Avoid cutting back too much foliage, which can stress the plant and cause it to struggle to recover.
Propagation of Impatiens myriantha Gilg
Impatiens myriantha Gilg is commonly known as the forest balsam. It is an easy-to-grow plant that produces lovely pinkish-white flowers. The plant is native to Africa and can be propagated by seed or stem cuttings.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is a simple method of producing new plants. Harvest the seeds from the plant when the seed pods turn brown. After harvesting the seed, soak them in lukewarm water for about six hours. Once the seeds swell, they are ready to plant.
The soil for planting should be well-draining, and the seeds should be sown 0.5 cm deep. Keep the soil consistently moist and warm (25°C). Seed germination should occur within 14-21 days.
Once the seeds have germinated and have two true leaves, they can be transplanted to their final location.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Propagation by stem cuttings is a quick way of producing new plants that are identical to the parent plant. Select a healthy stem from the parent plant with at least three leaves, and make a clean cut with a sharp knife.
The bottom leaves should be removed, allowing about two leaves to remain at the top. Dip the end of the cutting into rooting hormone and plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix. Water the newly planted cutting thoroughly and cover it with a plastic bag to help retain moisture.
Put the cutting in a bright, filtered light and make sure to keep the soil moist but not wet. After 6-8 weeks, the cutting should have developed roots and can be transplanted to its final location.
Disease and Pest Management for Impatiens myriantha Gilg
Impatiens myriantha Gilg, commonly known as Himalayan balsam or Policeman's Helmet, is an attractive perennial plant famous for its bright pink or purple flowers. However, like any other plant, it is vulnerable to many pests and diseases.
Common Diseases of Impatiens myriantha Gilg
Impatiens myriantha Gilg is susceptible to various fungal and bacterial diseases. One of the most common diseases is downy mildew, which is caused by Peronospora sp. It appears as a white or grayish powder on the plant's leaves, eventually causing them to twist, yellow, and drop. To manage downy mildew, it is essential to remove all infected plants and maintain adequate airflow around the plant.
Fusarium wilt is another fungal disease that affects Impatiens myriantha Gilg. It causes the plant's leaves to wilt and die, and the stem to decay. Although there's no cure for the disease, you can manage it by removing all infected plants and avoiding waterlogging the soil. Additionally, you can use fungicides to prevent Fusarium wilt from spreading.
Common Pests of Impatiens myriantha Gilg
Several pests can attack the Impatiens myriantha Gilg. One of the most destructive pests is aphids, which suck out sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and turn yellow. To manage aphids, you can use insecticidal soap or neem oil soap.
Another common pest of Impatiens myriantha Gilg is the spider mite. It pierces the cells of the plant and sucks out the sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and brown. The infested leaves may also display a web-like pattern. To control spider mites, you can rinse the plant with water or use insecticidal soaps.
Preventative Measures
One way to keep your Impatiens myriantha Gilg plant free from pests and diseases is to ensure proper plant nutrition. Fertilize the soil with organic fertilizers such as compost or manure to provide the plant with the necessary nutrients that can protect it from pests and diseases.
Another preventative measure is to keep the plant stress-free. Stressed plants are more vulnerable to pests and diseases. Ensure that the soil is always moist and provide the plant with ample sunlight and adequate airflow.
In conclusion, recognizing the common pests and diseases that affect Impatiens myriantha Gilg is the first step to manage them properly. Monitoring the plant regularly and taking the necessary preventative measures can prevent pests and diseases from spreading and damaging your plant.
