Question: I'm wondering how much variation there is in leaf morphology for Impatiens capensis. I'm most familiar with the leaves being …
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Question
I'm wondering how much variation there is in leaf morphology for Impatiens capensis. I'm most familiar with the leaves being more ovate with crenate margins. However, I've come across what really looks like I. capensis but with more lanceolate leaves and dentate/serrate margins (see images comparing the two). Are these just different varieties of I. capensis, plasticity, I. capensis vs. I. padilla, or am I somehow way off? (photos in Wellesley, MA) Thanks! Alden
Answer
Dear AldenGriffith, while there is a lot of variation in the leaf shape of Impatiens capensis, even on the same stem, you likely have two different species in your image. One is clearly Impatiens, the other appears to be a species of Circaea (enchanter's-nightshade), a member of the Onagraceae. Best wishes.
