Pelargonium hortorum Bailey   Geraniaceae (Geranium Family)   South Africa   Common Geranium                                     Fish Geranium

                                         February Photo

Plant Characteristics:  Annual or perennial herb, sometimes woody, often succulent, often strong smelling; lvs. round to reniform, somewhat scalloped, crenate toothed, mostly with a color band; stipules broad, rounded, calyx-spur 2-3 cm. long; fls. of many colors.

Habitat: Escape from cultivation, especially near the coast. Blooms all year in warmer areas.

Name: Greek, geranos, crane, from the beak-like fruit.  (Munz, Flora So. Calif. 491).  Latin, hortulus, a garden.  The species name may refer to the fact that this is a cultivated plant.

General:  Uncommon, an escape from cultivation found on the Castaways bluffs. (my comment).      In Africa, numerous species of geranium are eaten.  Colonists used the various scented geraniums in dry bunches for scenting closets, potpourris and finger bowls.  (Clarke 236).     Nearly 250 species, mostly from South Africa, many grown for ornament and for their contained oils.  (Munz, Flora So. Calif. 493).

Text Ref:  Bailey 597; Munz, Flora So. Calif. 493.

Photo Ref:  Feb 2 84 #10,11.

Identity: by R. De Ruff.

First Found: February 1984.

Computer Ref:  Plant Data 35.

No plant specimen.

Last edit 12/18/03

                                           February Photo