Impatiens analyses

Population genetic and phylogeographic studies within the genus Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) with focus on species native to Germany and invasive species

In Europe, only the “touch-me-not balsam” is native with the scientific name Impatiens noli-tangere (Balsaminaceae). Several other species are firmly naturalized as neophytes. Population genetic studies are being used to analyze whether the native species are more genetically diverse than the naturalized species and whether biogeographic patterns can be detected to interpret them in an evolutionary framework. For this purpose, microsatellite markers have been developed for use in population genetic studies.