Researchers have identified a previously undescribed plant species endemic to Sri Lanka in the Mannakeththa Ella ecosystem in Kithulgala, Kegalle District.
The newly identified species has been named Impatiens yakandawalarum. It belongs to the balsam family and has been given the common names “Kithulgala Balsam” in English and “කිතුල්ගල කූඩලු” in Sinhala.
The discovery began when Salani Gunaratne photographed the plant during a visit to the area. Researcher Peshala Pasan Karunarathne later observed differences between the plant and the closely related Impatiens janthina and referred the findings to University of Peradeniya researcher Bhathiya Gopallawa.
Subsequent field examinations confirmed that the plant represented a previously undescribed species.
The species is distinguished by its ecalcarate nectary, which does not have the tubular spur commonly found in many other Impatiens species. It grows on moist, moss-covered rock surfaces and tree roots and produces dark pink flowers measuring approximately two centimetres in diameter.
With the discovery of Impatiens yakandawalarum, the number of Impatiens species recorded in Sri Lanka has increased to 28, including 19 species endemic to the island.
The findings of the five-member research team were published on September 30, 2026, in the Ceylon Journal of Science.
Researchers have also emphasized the importance of protecting Sri Lanka’s natural ecosystems, particularly habitats supporting rare and endemic plant species.
