Abstract
A new scapigerous species, Impatiens wolfgangii, is reported from Bababudangiri, Chickmaglore District, Karnataka, in the central part of the Western Ghats. The species is closely allied to I. nilgirica and I. pandata occurring in Nilgiris and Anaimudi, respectively, but differs in having smaller stature, creamy or snowy white flowers, a 1.8–2 mm long stout yellow spur arising abruptly from the base of the lip, and a longer and elliptic posterior lobe. Detailed morphological and micro-morphological characters pertaining to pollen and seed trichomes are described and illustrated with colour photographs. This species faces a serious threat of extinction due to its restricted distribution and only a few plants representing the entire population exist. There is need for regular monitoring to assess its risk of vulnerability or endangerment.