Paying Patience Back to Impatiens (Balsaminaceae): Hidden Biodiversity in the Qinling‐Bashan Mountains, China

The Qinling-Bashan Mountains mark the natural division of the temperate and subtropical climate zones in China. Though they are known as a biodiversity hotspot in China, the species diversity in these areas has been underestimated, especially in the species-rich genus Impatiens whose northmost distribution range meets here. The taxonomy of Impatiens is fraught with difficulties because of the complex floral structures. In this study, integrated approaches including comprehensive literature consultation, specimen inspection, careful morphological comparison, and phylogenetic analysis reveal hidden biodiversity of Impatiens in the Qinling-Bashan Mountains. Five new species are described here, and five species are reported from the Qinling-Bashan Mountains for the first time. Additional notes are also provided to elucidate taxonomic ambiguities.