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Contents: Preface. 1. Introduction. 2. Horticultural/Economic potential of Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayan wild Balsams. 3. Threats to impatiens. 3. Conservation measures. 4. Study methods. 5. Presentation of the book. 6. Analysis. 7. Key to the wild species of Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalayan Balsams. 8. Enumeration and photographs. Appendix I (Checklist of Balsams of Nepal). Appendix II (Checklist of Balsams of Bhutan. Addenda. References. Index to species.

The book Wild Balsams of Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalaya: A Pictorial Handbook is a ready reckoner of 45 species (41 wild, 2 naturalized and 2 cultivated) of Balsams (Impatiens) found in the Darjeeling and Sikkim Himalaya, India. All the species are presented with updated nomenclature, ample photographs of habit of plants, flowers, dissected floral parts from field and an identification key. The book also includes checklists of wild Balsam species from neighbouring countries- Nepal and Bhutan, with photographs of few notable species. The book is presented from a historical perspective in terms of taxonomy of Balsams in the Himalayas.