Common name: Touch-me-nots

Scientific name: Impatiens capensis

Family: Balsaminaceae

Touch-me-nots are a genus of flowering plants in the family Balsaminaceae. They are native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere, and they are known for their explosive seed dispersal mechanism.

Touch-me-nots are annual plants that grow up to 2 feet tall. They have palmate leaves and small, irregular flowers that are typically pink, purple, or white. The flowers bloom in the summer and early fall.

After the flowers fade, they produce seed pods. The seed pods are about 1 inch long and they are filled with small, black seeds. The seeds are covered in a hard, glossy coating.

When the seed pods are ripe, they split open and the seeds are hurled out with explosive force. The seeds can travel up to 20 feet away from the plant.

The explosive seed dispersal mechanism of touch-me-nots is an adaptation that helps the plants to reproduce. By dispersing their seeds over a wide area, the plants increase the chances that some of the seeds will find a suitable place to grow.

Touch-me-nots are also known for their ability to produce a popping sound when their seed pods are touched. This popping sound is caused by the sudden release of pressure from the seed pods.

Touch-me-nots are a popular choice for gardens because they are easy to grow and they produce beautiful flowers. However, they can also be considered a weed because they can spread aggressively.