Impatiens nimspurjai: New Himalayan Plant Species Named After Nirmal Purja

UPSC Relevance: Biodiversity | Botany | Himalayas

Why in News?

A newly identified Himalayan flowering plant was named Impatiens nimspurjai in honour of mountaineer Nirmal Purja.

Classification

  • Genus → Impatiens

  • Family → Balsaminaceae

Distribution

  • Endemic to Myagdi district in western Nepal.

  • Found at roughly 2,800–2,900 metres.

  • Grows on moist, humus-rich slopes and forest margins.

Characteristics

  • Annual herb.

  • Sessile oblong-lanceolate leaves.

  • Yellowish flowers tinged with purple.

Prelims Pointer

Impatiens species are popularly associated with balsams/touch-me-not plants.