Herb: Nutmeg Geranium


Latin name: Pelargonium fragrans


Family: Geraniaceae (Geranium Family)



Medicinal use of Nutmeg Geranium:

All parts of the plant are astringent. The leaves are used externally as a rub for aching feet or legs. They can be harvested as required and used fresh.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Shrub

Height:
30 cm
(11 3/4 inch)

Flowering:
May to
August

Scent:
Scented
Shrub

Habitat of the herb:

A naturally occurring hybrid, P. exstipulatum. x P. odoratissimum, found in the highlands of the Karoo.

Edible parts of Nutmeg Geranium:

The crushed leaves are used to flavour jellies, cakes, fruit dishes, vinegars etc. They give a spicy flavour to coffee.

Other uses of the herb:

An essential oil is obtained from the plant. It has a nutmeg fragrance. The dried leaves are added to pot-pourri.

Propagation of Nutmeg Geranium:

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Stored seed should be sown in early spring in a greenhouse. The seed germinates best with a minimum temperature of 13°C, germination usually taking place within 2 weeks though it sometimes takes some months. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. If trying them outdoors, plant them out in early summer and consider giving them extra protection during the winter. Cuttings succeed at almost any time in the growing season but early summer is the best time in order for the new plant to become established before winter.

Cultivation of the herb:

A naturally occurring hybrid, P. exstipulatum. x P. odoratissimum, found in the highlands of the Karoo.

Known hazards of Pelargonium fragrans:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.