Munnar is currently showcasing a vibrant display of balsams (genus Impatiens), locally known as Kasithumba and Onappovu. These “touch-me-not” flowers are renowned for their mature seeds bursting upon touch, scattering seeds, hence their name. They go by various names, including balsams, touch-me-not, and jewel weed. These plants are distributed in tropical, sub-tropical, and northern temperate regions worldwide, with prominent presence in India, China, Africa, Europe, and North America. India alone hosts 220 balsam species, with 135 thriving in the southern Western Ghats, particularly around Anamudi, the region’s highest mountain. Balsams typically bloom from June to December in humid forest pockets and serve as climate change indicators.
Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims
- Balsams (Genus Impatiens): A type of flowering plant known for their vibrant and delicate blossoms, commonly called “touch-me-not” due to their unique seed dispersal mechanism.
- Kasithumba and Onappovu: Local names for balsams in the Munnar region, reflecting regional biodiversity and culture.
- Touch-Me-Not: A nickname for balsams, highlighting their characteristic seed dispersal method.
- Western Ghats: A mountain range in India known for its rich biodiversity, including a significant variety of balsam species.
- Orophytic Herb: A type of plant that grows on rocky or mountainous terrain.
- Indicator Species: Organisms, like balsams in this context, used to monitor environmental changes, particularly those related to climate change.
