BALSAMINE^. 6/ 



variable like the stem in respect of hairiness ; remotely 

 serrate with pink-tipped teeth. Stipules only on fully 

 developed leaves, as short soft spines which early wither 

 and fall. Flower-stalks one to three usually three the 

 middle bud not opening ; glabrous or pubescent, but 

 always with a single line of pubescence following the 

 twist of the stalk from the upper side at the base to the 

 lip ; ^At-oYs inch but lengthening continuously till in 

 fruit about I to J^ inch long ; with a small persistent bract 

 at the base. Buds pointed, the standard covering the 

 back completely. Flowers J^ to J^ inch of various shades 

 of rose pink to almost yellowish white in the more 

 pubescent forms : wings mauve or magenta, splotched 

 with dark purple near the crimson base. Spur short 

 somewhat variable but always present : lateral sepals 

 linear J4 by 1/20 inch : wing with one large lobe 

 narrowed at the base where it joins the other much 

 smaller one, rather larger in the more pubescent forms 

 and projecting over the edge of the lip. Capsule pointed 

 at each end, about J^ by 5/32 inch. Seeds about five, 

 black, smooth and shining, but slightly compressed from 

 a globose shape; not variable, t. 52. Wight Ic. t. 749* 



Pulneys : on the Kodaikanal downs. Fyson 351, 354. 

 Bourne 316, 503, 5208. 



The above description is taken very largely, and in part verbatim, from 

 a note made by Sir Alfred Bourne, "after examination of many living 

 specimens." The plant is quite common on the Kodaikanal downs wher- 

 ever there is water (and there are several streams and much marshy land 

 there), and occurs in such varying states as regards size and hairiness that 

 it is impossible to separate it into two varieties though the extremes might 

 almost be considered sufficiently distinct to be classed as species. Its most 

 constant characteristic features are the redness of the stem and the peculiar 

 short-spurred li[i, in shape like an inverted cap of liberty. I. rufescens 

 Benth. united with this in F.B.I, is quite a different plant. 



Impaticns Icschenaultii Wall. Cat. 4739 ! ; F.B.I, 



i 450, Vin 27 ; common shrubby Balsam. A well 



branched very leafy plant 2 to 3 feet high (or more in 



shady places) with stem at the base as thick as the 



5-A 



