Herb latin name: Pelargonium zonale


Family: Geraniaceae (Geranium Family)



Medicinal use of Pelargonium zonale:

All parts of the plant are astringent.

Description of the plant:



Plant:
Evergreen
Perennial

Height:
100 cm
(3 1/4 foot)

Flowering:
August


Scent:
Scented
Perennial

Habitat of the herb:

Dry rocky hills, stony slopes and forest margins from the Southern Cape to Natal.

Edible parts of Pelargonium zonale:

Leaves and stems - cooked as a vegetable.

Other uses of the herb:

An essential oil is obtained from the plant.

Propagation of Pelargonium zonale:

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:

Dry rocky hills, stony slopes and forest margins from the Southern Cape to Natal.

Known hazards of Pelargonium zonale:

None known

Plant information taken from the Plants For A Future.