It typically grows to 1 to 2 m (3.3 to 6.5 ft) high, with a soft
green or red-tinged stem, and lanceolate leaves 5 to 23 cm (2 to
9 in) long. The crushed foliage has a strong musty smell. The
flowers are pink, with a hooded shape, 3 to 4 cm (1¼ to 1½ in)
tall and 2 cm (¾ in) broad; the flower shape has been compared
to a policeman's helmet, giving rise to the alternative common
name Policeman's Helmet. After flowering between June and
October, the plant forms seed pods 2 to 3 cm (¾ to 1¼ in) long
and 8 mm broad (¼ in), which explode when disturbed, scattering
the seeds up to 7 meters (23 ft). Impatiens, meaning
"impatient", refers to this method of dispersal. The green seed
pods and seeds can be eaten, and also the young leaves and
shoots, which is a method of controlling the plant's spread
Although it does not range all over India and is by no means the
only Impatiens native to that country, it is also known as
Indian Balsam in countries where it is introduced.imalayan
Balsam is sometimes cultivated for its