About Impatiens niamniamensis Gilg
Impatiens niamniamensis Gilg typically reaches 60–90 centimetres (24–35 in) in length. This evergreen perennial has an erect, succulent brown stem that has a wood-like appearance. Its leaves are simple, ovate-oblong or elliptical, arranged spirally, and grow to about 10 cm long. The plant produces bright, colorful bird-shaped flowers, which explains its common names Congo cockatoo and parrot plant. Each flower has a long, curled nectar spur. These unusual flowers vary in both color and size, but the clone most commonly cultivated in Europe and North America, called 'African Princess', is usually scarlet red and yellow, and can grow up to around 3.5 centimetres (1.4 in) long. Its fruits are explosive capsules that measure around 14–16 mm. Impatiens niamniamensis is native to tropical Africa, where it occurs from Cameroon across tropical Africa, ranging north to Sudan and south to the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It grows in moist, shaded bushlands at elevations between 350–2,400 metres (1,150–7,870 ft) above sea level. This species is widely cultivated. In temperate regions, it needs protection from temperatures below 10 °C (50 °F), and requires a sheltered, partially shaded growing location. Impatiens niamniamensis has been awarded the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.
