Floral anatomy of six species of Impatiens

The floral anatomy of six species of Impatiens has been studied. The hypogynous, tetracyclic, zygomorphic flowers are basically pentamerous. The posterior sepal bears a nectariferous spur. The stamens are connate by the filaments below the anthers which stand as a cap over the stigmas. The 5‐carpellary, syncarpous ovary is 5‐locular with many ovules in each loculus. The sepals, petals and stamens are single traced. Anatomy shows that the anterior perianth part is the product of adnation between the anterolateral sepals and anterior petal. The carpels are 3‐traced and the ovular supply is derived from the central core of vascular tissue in the placental region. The study supports the placement of Balsaminaceae in the order Geraniales.