Paying Patience Back to <i>Impatiens</i> (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 <i>Impatiens</i> whose northmost distribution range meets here. The taxonomy of <i>Impatiens</i> 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 <i>Impatiens</i> 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.