Abstract
Impatiens lancifolia (Balsaminaceae), a new scapigerous species is described from the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, Central Highlands of Sri Lanka based on the morphological evidence. This new species resembles I. scapiflora and I. acaulis but, differs by having almost glabrous, lanceolate leaves with scattered hairs along the midrib and lateral veins, 2–3 pairs of lateral nerves, reddish stamen apex forming a red colour ring around androecium. A completed description, photographs, illustration and notes on their ecology and distribution are provided.
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