Impatiens

Impatiens sodenii ?

Impatiens, possibly sodenii, from Rift Valley, Kenya, photo © by Michael Plagens

Observed blooming in a farming area near Eldoret, Kenya, Africa. January 2012. Identification was provided by Bruce Hobson.

I guessed as to the species, Hooker's Impatiens, but Bruce Hobson, an experienced landscaper suggested I. sodenii. Notice the long spur from the base of the flower. At the base of the spur is a nectar gland; only organisms with long slender feeding apparatus (i.e. sphinx moth, sunbird) can reach this food source and thus serve as a possible pollinator.

Impatiens in an Eldoret area garden, photo © Michael Plagens

Balsaminaceae -- Balsam Family

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Kenya Natural History

Copyright Michael J. Plagens, Created on 8 Aug. 2012.