It was previously mistaken for Impatiens manaharensis, which differs slightly in morphology such as leaf shape, and flower colour and structure.

The leaves are arranged alternately along the stem and have short stalks (petiole) 2–3 mm long, which may bear up to one pair of nectar-producing glands (extrafloral nectaries).

[2] The flowers emerge from the leaf axils either singly or in pairs, on distinctly curved stalks (pedicels) typically 3.5–4 cm long.

While its extremely restricted range of just 9 square kilometers (measured as Area of Occupancy) would typically qualify it for Critically Endangered status, its entire population exists within the well-protected Marojejy National Park.

However, because its conservation status relies entirely on the continued protection offered by the park, and it is known from only one location, it is potentially vulnerable to localised threats.

Unlike its close relative Impatiens manaharensis, which occurs in lowland rainforest below 800 meters on the same mountain, I. serusiauxii is restricted to higher elevation habitats, potentially making it vulnerable to climate change impacts.