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Source: The post is based on the article “Balsams in full bloom add to visual treat in Munnar” published in “The Hindu” on 27th September 2023.
What is the News?
Balsams (genus Impatiens) are in full bloom in Munnar, Kerala.
What is Balsams?
Source: The Hindu
Balsams refer to plants belonging to the genus Impatiens.These are flowering plants known for their small pink flowers.They are locally called as Kasithumba and Onappovu.
They are also known as ‘touch-me-not’ because of the bursting of mature seeds and seed distribution.
Found in: Of the 220 balsam species in India, 135 are found in the southern Western Ghats.
– Anamudi, the highest mountain in the Western Ghats, and the surrounding high ranges are known for the diversity of wild balsams.
– Munnar is also the major habitat of balsams.Around 46 species of balsams have been discovered in the altitude of Munnar.No other place in the world has such diversity.
Significance: Balsams are considered an important indicator of climate change, as changes in climate can affect their population.
