Context-

• Balsam flowers (genus Impatiens), which are in full bloom at this time, are a great attraction for tourists in Munnar.
• Locally called Kasithumba and Onappovu, its small and pink flowers are a major attraction in the Devikulam area of the Kochi-Dhanushkodi National Highway.
• According to botanists, the widespread flowering of balsam indicates that the micro-climate is still active in the Munnar hill station.

Suitable Climate –

• It is a fleshy and orophytic species of plant which generally completes its life cycle in the humid season (June-December).
• This plant mainly grows inside forest areas.

 Balsam species -

• There are 46 balsam species found in the Munnar landscape spanning from Munnar to Chinnar and Bison Valley.
• Munnar is the main habitat of balsam.
• More than 40 wild species of balsam flowers are found in Eravikulam National Park.
• More than 30 species of balsam are found in the Periyar Tiger Reserve.
• Anamudi, the highest mountain in the Western Ghats and the surrounding high ranges are known for their diversity of wild balsam.
• Of the 220 balsam species in India, 135 are found in the South Western Ghats.

Balsam: As a leading indicator of climate change -

• If climate change occurs in an area, its effects are reflected in the balsam plant population.

Crisis on Balsam species -

• Due to the destruction of specific habitats, many species have become rare, endangered or extinct.

Important facts related to balsam flowers -

• The balsam flower is also known as 'Touch-Me-Not' due to the bursting of mature seeds and seed distribution.
• Idukki district is also called the paradise of balsam

​Exam oriented Static facts

Kerala

• Capital:
• Thiruvananthapuram
• Official language: Malayalam
• Formation: 1 November 1956
• Governor:Arif Mohammad Khan
•   Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan

 Major National Parks –

• Eravikulam National Park, Idukki District
• Silent Valley National Park, Palakkad District Nilgiri Hills
• Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki District
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, Kottayam District
• Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary, Idukki District
•   Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary