Impatiens |
Impatiens sodenii ? |
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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. Balsaminaceae -- Balsam FamilyMore Information: |
Copyright Michael J. Plagens, Created on 8 Aug. 2012.