Common name: Bellflower balsam.
Bellflower balsam is endemic to Wester ghats region it grows to a height of about 1-1.5 feet in height. It is a perennial seen in shola evergreen forest areas in Western ghats. Sometimes seen on undisturbed road sides in hill station towns like Munnar. The simple leafs are arranged in an alternate manner, the leafs are ovate in shape with a crenate margin. They grow to around 7 cm length and the leaf stalk measure around 2 cm. The leaf tip is acuminate and the leaf base cuneate. The plant has a smooth succulent overall appearance. The flowers are axillary umbels of about 3-4 flowers group. The flowers are bisexual, zygomorphic, bell shaped and the petals are whitish-cream in color with red and pink dots in the central portion of the flower. The fruit is in the form on indehiscent capsule. The capsule has a swollen middle portion and tapering on both ends. Bellflower balsam has great potential to be encouraged an an high-altitude ornamental plant.
