Friday, July 22, 2011

Singapore Zoo Flowers : Balsam




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http://blueberrycraftandhobbytime.blogspot.com/p/join-my-photo-challenge-flowers-on.html


Impatiens balsamina (Garden Balsam or Rose Balsam) is a species of Impatiens native to southern Asia in India and Myanmar.It is called kamantigue in the Philippines. This species of Kalamantigue are used in teas. Boil the seeds after drying and you will get a tea.[1]

In many English speaking countries they are known as "Touch me Not", possibly due to the ripe seed pods explosively bursting when touched. We loved to pop them, and if they are not ripe, even squeezing them will not make them pop.

Used to treat skin disease. Mum used to pound the flowers into a slimy mess and apply it to our tropical boils. We did it but we were sceptical. These day, Mum would be hailed as a naturalist.

8 comments:

Maia said...

I love these flowers. They remember me of my childhood when we were playing with its seeds.
Beautiful photo.

Joyful said...

I don't think I've seen this flower. It's very delicate and pretty.

Joyful said...

Hi Ann, thanks for visiting my blog. I didn't understand your comment. The hyndrangea bushes were very big but I only took a close up of one "flower".

Rajesh said...

Pretty red flowers.

Joyful said...

ah, i understand now. thank you. the buds are a new hybrid of hydrangea (endless summer, twist and shout so they look different). enjoy your weekend.

Karin M. said...

...eine sehr schöne Blütenfarbe...
LG: Karin

Unknown said...

that's a pretty delicate flower!

farman said...

you can now buy balsam mixed seeds online from Gardener Shopping