Impatiens nyungensis

In western Rwanda while hiking along a forest path our guide Ptombu stopped abruptly and pushed us hard backwards to one side of the path. It startled us and we were completely annoyed until he pointed to where we were going to walk. Ahead was a really long light grey colored snake coiled in the path way. Ptombu was plainly terrified of the snake and its size was truly intimidating. The snake reared up to meet us at eye level and opened its mouth which was black inside!   We all quickly gave ground as we realized it was a Black Mamba, a snake not very common in the area but highly aggressive when it felt threatened. We quickly retreated but the snake charged! We ran like no tomorrow away from the snake back down the path not even watching where we were going! We must have run a mile! When we finally stopped we were completely winded and just stood there in a clearing panting and catching our breath. As we all looked at each other we all broke out into laughter. Whew that was close! As we gathered our wits and started to hike back we noticed a very rare Impatiens species growing on both sides of a small stream. It was Impatiens nyungensis which was thought to be functionally extinct in the wild! What a rare find! It was growing in several large clumps and loaded with seeds. This is an extremely rare plant both in the wild and in cultivation.

We are propagating Impatiens nyungensis so you can own this amazing plant grown from seed and cuttings. A must for any serious plant collector!