Balsaminaceae - Balsam Family
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The Balsaminaceae is a widely-distributed family of herbs with 2 genera containing over 800 species,
almost all of which belong to Impatiens. The genus Hydrocera is monotypic or
contains only a small number of species.
Impatiens includes "Bizzie Lizzies" which are popular houseplants and propagated in vast numbers within the horticultural trade for colourful summer bedding. Only a handful of the species are widely cultivated. However, several hybrids and numerous cultivars are available providing a wide range of colours and flower forms.
Some of the hardy balsams have become invasive weeds, with seeds spread explosively when the ripe seed pods burst. Naturalising invasive balsams may be illegal in some jurisdictions.
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