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''Pelargonium'' () is a genus of flowering plants that includes about 280 species of perennials,
succulent In botany, succulent plants, also known as succulents, are plants with parts that are thickened, fleshy, and engorged, usually to retain water in arid climates or soil conditions. The word ''succulent'' comes from the Latin word ''sucus'', meani ...
s, and
shrub A shrub (often also called a bush) is a small-to-medium-sized perennial woody plant. Unlike herbaceous plants, shrubs have persistent woody stems above the ground. Shrubs can be either deciduous or evergreen. They are distinguished from trees ...
s, commonly called geraniums, pelargoniums, or storksbills. ''
Geranium ''Geranium'' is a genus of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as geraniums or cranesbills. They are found throughout the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics, but mostly in ...
'' is also the botanical name and common name of a separate genus of related plants, also known as cranesbills. Both genera belong to the family Geraniaceae. Carl Linnaeus originally included all the species in one genus, ''Geranium'', and they were later separated into two genera by Charles Louis L'Héritier de Brutelle in 1789. While ''Geranium'' species are mostly temperate herbaceous plants, dying down in winter, ''Pelargonium'' species are evergreen perennials indigenous to warm temperate and tropical regions of the world, with many species in southern Africa. They are drought and heat tolerant, but can tolerate only minor frosts. Some species are extremely popular garden plants, grown as houseplants and bedding plants in temperate regions. They have a long flowering period, with flowers mostly in red, orange, or white; but intensive breeding has produced a huge array of cultivars with great variety in size, flower colour, leaf form and aromatic foliage.


Etymology

The name ''Pelargonium'' is derived from the Greek πελαργός, ''pelargós'' (
stork Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with long, stout bills. They belong to the family called Ciconiidae, and make up the order Ciconiiformes . Ciconiiformes previously included a number of other families, such as herons an ...
), because the seed head looks like a stork's beak. Dillenius originally suggested the name 'stork', because ''Geranium'' was named after a crane — "''a'' πελαργός, ''ciconia, sicuti vocamus Gerania'', γερανός, ''grus''" (from ''pelargos'', stork, as we call the ''Gerania'', ''geranos'', crane).


Description

''Pelargonium'' occurs in a large number of growth forms, including
herbaceous Herbaceous plants are vascular plants that have no persistent woody stems above ground. This broad category of plants includes many perennials, and nearly all annuals and biennials. Definitions of "herb" and "herbaceous" The fourth edition of t ...
annuals, shrubs, subshrubs, stem succulents and geophytes. The erect stems bear five-
petal Petals are modified Leaf, leaves that surround the reproductive parts of flowers. They are often advertising coloration, brightly colored or unusually shaped to attract pollinators. All of the petals of a flower are collectively known as the ''c ...
ed flowers in umbel-like clusters, which are occasionally branched. Because not all flowers appear simultaneously, but open from the centre outwards, this is a form of inflorescence is referred to as pseudoumbels. The flower has a single symmetry plane ( zygomorphic), which distinguishes it from the ''
Geranium ''Geranium'' is a genus of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as geraniums or cranesbills. They are found throughout the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics, but mostly in ...
'' flower, which has radial symmetry ( actinomorphic). Thus the lower three (anterior) petals are differentiated from the upper two (posterior) petals. The posterior sepal is fused with the pedicel to form a hypanthium (nectary tube). The nectary tube varies from only a few millimeters, up to several centimeters, and is an important floral characteristic in morphological classification. Stamens vary from 2 to 7, and their number, position relative to staminodes, and curvature are used to identify individual species. There are five stigmata in the style. For the considerable diversity in flower morphology, see figure 1 of Röschenbleck ''et al.'' (2014)
Leaves A leaf (plural, : leaves) is any of the principal appendages of a vascular plant plant stem, stem, usually borne laterally aboveground and specialized for photosynthesis. Leaves are collectively called foliage, as in "autumn foliage", wh ...
are usually alternate, and
palmately The following is a list of terms which are used to describe leaf morphology in the description and taxonomy of plants. Leaves may be simple (a single leaf blade or lamina) or compound (with several leaflets). The edge of the leaf may be regular o ...
lobed or pinnate, often on long stalks, and sometimes with light or dark patterns. The leaves of ''
Pelargonium peltatum ''Pelargonium peltatum'' is a scrambling perennial plant with five shallow or deeply lobed, circular- to heart-shaped, somewhat fleshy leaves, sometimes with a differently coloured semicircular band, that has been assigned to the Geraniaceae, cra ...
'' (Ivy-leaved Geranium), have a thick cuticle better adapting them for drought tolerance.


Propagation

Pelargonium are easy to
propagate Propagation can refer to: *Chain propagation in a chemical reaction mechanism *Crack propagation, the growth of a crack during the fracture of materials *Propaganda, non-objective information used to further an agenda *Reproduction, and other forms ...
, just need to cut a part of the plant and put it in water to grow new roots and can be planted again. It can also be propagated by seeds, but the best option is cuttings.


Taxonomy

''Pelargonium'' is the second largest genus (after ''Geranium'') within the family Geraniaceae, within which it is sister to the remaining genera of the family in its strict sense, '' Erodium'', ''
Geranium ''Geranium'' is a genus of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as geraniums or cranesbills. They are found throughout the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics, but mostly in ...
'', and '' Monsonia'' including ''Sarcocaulon''. The Geraniaceae have a number of genetic features unique amongst angiosperms, including highly rearranged
plastid The plastid (Greek: πλαστός; plastós: formed, molded – plural plastids) is a membrane-bound organelle found in the Cell (biology), cells of plants, algae, and some other eukaryotic organisms. They are considered to be intracellular endosy ...
genomes differing in gene content, order and expansion of the inverted repeat.


Genus history

The name ''Pelargonium'' was first proposed by Dillenius in 1732,{{sfn, Dillenius, 1732, lo
De Geraniorum Differentiis p. 149
} who described and illustrated seven species of geraniums from South Africa that are now classified as ''Pelargonium''.{{cite web , last=Handlos , first=Wayne , date=2013 , url=http://www.geraniumsonline.com/18thcentury.htm , title=18th Century: Important People, Dates and Publications in the History of ''Pelargonium'' , website=Geraniums Online , publisher=Central Coast Geranium Society , access-date=3 August 2017{{sfn, Lis-Balchin, 2002, lo
Diana Miller. The taxonomy of ''Pelargonium'' species and cultivars: Classification history p. 52
} Dillenius, who referred to these seven species with apparent unique characteristics as ''Geranium Africanum'' (African Geranium){{sfn, Dillenius, 1732, lo
Geranium Africanum p. 151
} suggested "''Possent ergo ii, quibus novi generis cupido est, ea, quorum flores inaequales vel et irrregulares sunt, Pelargonia vocare''" (Those who wish a new genus can therefore call those, whose flowers are unequal or irregular, ‘Pelargonia’).{{sfn, Boddy, 2013, lo
Introduction p. 11
} The name was then formally introduced by Johannes Burman in 1738. However Carl Linnaeus who first formally described these plants in 1753 did not recognise ''Pelargonium'' and grouped together in the same genus (''Geranium'') the three similar genera ''Erodium'', ''Geranium'', and ''Pelargonium''.{{sfn, Linnaeus, 1753, lo
Geranium p. 676
} Linnaeus' reputation prevented further differentiation for forty years.{{sfn, Lis-Balchin, 2002, lo
Diana Miller. The taxonomy of ''Pelargonium'' species and cultivars: Classification history p. 52
} The eventual distinction between them was made by
Charles L’Héritier Charles is a masculine given name predominantly found in English and French speaking countries. It is from the French form ''Charles'' of the Proto-Germanic name (in runic alphabet) or ''*karilaz'' (in Latin alphabet), whose meaning was " ...
based on the number of stamens or anthers, seven in the case of ''Pelargonium''. In 1774, '' P. cordatum'', '' P. crispum'', '' P. quercifolium'' and ''P. radula'' were introduced, followed by '' P. capitatum'' in 1790.{{sfn, Taylor, 2014, lo
Pelargonium
}


Circumscription

''Pelargonium'' is distinguished from the other genera in the family Geraniaceae by the presence of a hypanthium, which consists of an adnate nectar spur with one nectary, as well as a generally zygomorphic floral symmetry.{{sfn, Roschenbleck et al, 2014


Subdivision

De Candolle first proposed dividing the genus into 12 sections in 1824, based on the diversity of growth forms. Traditionally the large number of ''Pelargonium'' species have been treated as sixteen
sections Section, Sectioning or Sectioned may refer to: Arts, entertainment and media * Section (music), a complete, but not independent, musical idea * Section (typography), a subdivision, especially of a chapter, in books and documents ** Section sig ...
, based on the classification of Knuth (1912) who described 15 sections, as modified by van der Walt ''et al''. (1977-1997) who added ''Chorisma'', ''Reniformia'' and ''Subsucculentia''. These are as follows; * section ''Campylia'' (Lindley ex Sweet) de Candolle * section ''Chorisma'' (Lindley ex Sweet) de Candolle * section ''Ciconium'' (Sweet) Harvey * section ''Cortusina'' (DC.) Harvey * section ''Glaucophyllum'' Harvey * section ''Hoarea'' (Sweet) de Candolle * section ''Isopetalum'' (Sweet) de Candolle * section ''Jenkinsonia'' (Sweet) de Candolle * section ''Ligularia'' (Sweet) Harvey * section ''Myrrhidium'' de Candolle * section ''Otidia'' (Lindley ex Sweet) de Candolle * section ''Pelargonium'' (Sweet) Harvey * section ''Peristera'' de Candolle * section ''Polyactium'' de Candolle * section ''Reniformia'' (Knuth) Dreyer * section ''Subsucculentia'' J.J.A. van der Walt


Phylogenetic analyses

All subdivision classifications had depended primarily on morphological differences till the era of phylogenetic analyses (Price and Palmer 1993).Robert A. Price and Jeffrey D. Palmer. Phylogenetic Relationships of the Geraniaceae and Geraniales from rbcL Sequence Comparisons. Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden Vol. 80, No. 3 (1993), pp. 661-671
/ref> However phylogenetic analysis shows only three distinct clades, labelled A, B and C. In this analysis not all sections were
monophyletic In cladistics for a group of organisms, monophyly is the condition of being a clade—that is, a group of taxa composed only of a common ancestor (or more precisely an ancestral population) and all of its lineal descendants. Monophyletic gro ...
although some were strongly supported including ''Chorisma'', ''Myrrhidium'' and ''Jenkinsonia'', while other sections were more
paraphyletic In taxonomy (general), taxonomy, a group is paraphyletic if it consists of the group's most recent common ancestor, last common ancestor and most of its descendants, excluding a few Monophyly, monophyletic subgroups. The group is said to be pa ...
. This in turn has led to a proposal, informal at this stage of a reformulation of the infrageneric subdivision of ''Pelargonium''. In the proposed scheme of Weng ''et al''. there would be two
subgenera In biology, a subgenus (plural: subgenera) is a taxonomic rank directly below genus. In the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, a subgeneric name can be used independently or included in a species name, in parentheses, placed between t ...
, based on clades A+B, and C respectively and seven sections based on subclades. Subsequent analysis with an expanded taxa set confirmed this infrageneric subdivision into two groups which also correspond to chromosome length (<1.5 μ, 1.5-3.0μ),{{sfn, Roschenbleck et al, 2014 but also two subclades within each major clade, suggesting the presence of four subgenera, these correspond to clades A, B, C1 and C2 of the earlier analysis, A being by far the largest clade with 141 taxa. As before the internal structure of the clades supported monophyly of some sections (''Myrrhidium'', ''Chorisma'', ''Reniformia'', ''Pelargonium'', ''Ligularia'' and ''Hoarea'') but paraphyly in others (''Jenkinsonia'', ''Ciconium'', ''Peristera''). A distinct clade could be identified within the paraphyletic ''Polyactium'', designated section ''Magnistipulacea''. As a result, ''Polyactium'' has been split up to provide this new section, which in itself contains two subsections, ''Magnistipulacea'' and ''Schizopetala'', following Knuth's original treatment of ''Polyactium'' as having four subsections.{{sfn, Roschenbleck et al, 2014 Thus Röschenbleck ''et al.'' (2014) provide a complete revision of the subgeneric classification of ''Pelargonium'' based on four subgenera corresponding to their major clades (A, B, C1, C2); * subgenus ''Magnipetala'' Roeschenbl. & F. Albers Type: ''Pelargonium praemorsum'' (Andrews) F Dietrich * subgenus ''Parvulipetala'' Roeschenbl. & F. Albers Type: ''Pelargonium hypoleucum'' Turczaninow * subgenus ''Paucisignata'' Roeschenbl. & F. Albers Type: '' Pelargonium zonale'' (L.) L'Hér. in Aiton * subgenus ''Pelargonium'' L'Hér. Type: '' Pelargonium cucullatum'' (L.) Aiton{{sfn, Roschenbleck et al, 2014 Sixteen sections were then assigned to the new subgenera as follows, although many species remained only assigned to subgenera at this stage * subgenus ''Magnipetala'' 3 sections ** section ''Chorisma'' (Lindley ex Sweet) de Candolle - 4 species ** section ''Jenkinsonia'' (Sweet) de Candolle - 11 species ** section ''Myrrhidium'' de Candolle - 8 species * subgenus ''Parvulipetala'' 3 sections ** section ''Isopetalum'' (Sweet) de Candolle - 1 species (''
Pelargonium cotyledonis ''Pelargonium cotyledonis'' (local name old father live forever) is an endemic species of plant on the island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic Ocean The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's five oceans, with an area of ...
'' (L.) L'Hér.) ** section ''Peristera'' de Candolle - 30 species ** section ''Reniformia'' (Knuth) Dreyer - 8 species * subgenus ''Paucisignata'' 2 sections ** section ''Ciconium'' (Sweet) Harvey - 16 species ** section ''Subsucculentia'' J.J.A. van der Walt - 3 species * subgenus ''Pelargonium'' 8 sections ** section ''Campylia'' (Lindley ex Sweet) de Candolle - 9 species ** section ''Cortusina'' (DC.) Harvey - 7 species ** section ''Hoarea'' (Sweet) de Candolle - 72 species ** section ''Ligularia'' (Sweet) Harvey - 10 species ** section ''Magnistipulacea'' Roeschenbl. & F. Albers Type: ''Pelargonium schlecteri'' Knuth - 2 subsections *** subsection ''Magnistipulacea'' Roeschenbl. & F. Albers Type: ''Pelargonium schlecteri'' Knuth - 2 species (''P. schlecteri'' & '' P. luridum'') *** subsection ''Schizopetala'' (Knuth) Roeschenbl. & F. Albers Type: ''Pelargonium caffrum'' (Eckl. & Zeyh.) Steudel - 3 species (''P. caffrum'', ''P. bowkeri'', ''P. schizopetalum'') ** section ''Otidia'' (Lindley ex Sweet) de Candolle - 14 species ** section ''Pelargonium'' L'Hér. - 34 species ** section ''Polyactium'' de Candolle - 2 subsections *** subsection ''Caulescentia'' Knuth - 1 species (''Pelargonium gibbosum'') *** subsection ''Polyactium'' de Candolle - 7 species


Subgenera

Subgenus ''Magnipetala'': Corresponds to clade C1, with 24 species. Perennial to short lived, spreading
subshrubs A subshrub (Latin ''suffrutex'') or dwarf shrub is a short shrub, and is a woody plant. Prostrate shrub is a related term. "Subshrub" is often used interchangeably with "bush".Jackson, Benjamin, Daydon; A Glossary of Botanic Terms with their Der ...
, rarely herbaceous annuals. Petals five, but may be four, colour mainly white. Mainly winter rainfall region of South Africa, spreading into summer rainfall region. One species in northern Namibia and Botswana. Two species in East Africa and Ethiopia. Chromosomes x=11 and 9. Subgenus ''Parvulipetala'': Corresponds to clade B, with 39-42 species. Perennials, partly annuals. Petals five and equal, colour white or pink to deep purplish red. Mainly South Africa, but also other southern hemisphere except South America. a few species in East Africa and Ethiopia. Chromosomes x=7-19. Subgenus ''Paucisignata'': Corresponds to clade C2, with 25-27 species. Erect sometimes trailing shrubs or subshrubs, rarely geophytes or semi-geophytes. Petals five and equal, colour pink to red sometimes white. Summer rainfall region of South Africa, spreading into winter rainfall region and northern Namibia, with a few species in tropical Africa, Ethiopia, Somalia, Madagascar, the
Arabian Peninsula The Arabian Peninsula, (; ar, شِبْهُ الْجَزِيرَةِ الْعَرَبِيَّة, , "Arabian Peninsula" or , , "Island of the Arabs") or Arabia, is a peninsula of Western Asia, situated northeast of Africa on the Arabian Plate ...
and Asia Minor. Chromosomes x=mainly 9 or 10, but from 4-18. Subgenus ''Pelargonium'': Corresponds to clade A, with 167 species. Frequently xerophytic deciduous perennials with many geophytes and succulent subshrubs, less frequently woody evergreen shrubs or annual herbs. Petals five, colour shades of pink to purple or yellow. Winter rainfall region of South Africa and adjacent Namibia, spreading to summer rainfall area, and two species in tropical Africa. Chromosomes x=11, may be 8-10.{{sfn, Roschenbleck et al, 2014


Species

{{main, List of Pelargonium species ''Pelargonium'' has around 280 species.{{r, powo{{cite journal, last1=Weng, first1=ML, last2=Ruhlman, first2=TA, last3=Gibby, first3=M, last4=Jansen, first4=RK, date=Sep 2012, title=Phylogeny, rate variation, and genome size evolution of Pelargonium (Geraniaceae), journal=Mol Phylogenet Evol, volume=64, issue=3, pages=654–70, doi=10.1016/j.ympev.2012.05.026 , pmid=22677167 Röschenbleck ''et al'' lists 281 taxa.{{sfn, Roschenbleck et al, 2014 There is considerable confusion as to which ''Pelargonium'' are true species, and which are cultivars or hybrids. The nomenclature has changed considerably since the first plants were introduced to Europe in the 17th century.


Distribution

''Pelargonium'' is a large genus within the family Geraniaceae, which has a worldwide distribution in temperate to subtropical zones with some 800 mostly herbaceous species.{{sfn, Roschenbleck et al, 2014 ''Pelargonium'' itself is native to southern Africa (including Namibia) and
Australia Australia, officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a Sovereign state, sovereign country comprising the mainland of the Australia (continent), Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous List of islands of Australia, sma ...
. Southern Africa contains 90% of the genus, with only about 30 species found elsewhere, predominantly the East African rift valley (about 20 species) and southern Australia, including Tasmania.{{sfn, Roschenbleck et al, 2014 The remaining few species are found in southern Madagascar, Yemen, Iraq, Asia Minor, the north of New Zealand and isolated islands in the south Atlantic Ocean (
Saint Helena Saint Helena () is a British overseas territory located in the South Atlantic Ocean. It is a remote volcanic tropical island west of the coast of south-western Africa, and east of Rio de Janeiro in South America. It is one of three constitu ...
and Tristan da Cunha) and Socotra in the Indian Ocean.{{sfn, Roschenbleck et al, 2014 The centre of diversity is in southwestern South Africa where rainfall is confined to the winter, unlike the rest of the country where rainfall is predominantly in the summer months.{{sfn, Roschenbleck et al, 2014 Most of the ''Pelargonium'' plants cultivated in Europe and
North America North America is a continent in the Northern Hemisphere and almost entirely within the Western Hemisphere. It is bordered to the north by the Arctic Ocean, to the east by the Atlantic Ocean, to the southeast by South America and the Car ...
have their origins in South Africa.{{cite web , last=Sayre , first=James K. , year=2003 , url=http://www.bottlebrushpress.com/scentedgeraniums.html , title=Scented Geraniums or Pelargoniums , publisher=Bottlebrushpress.com , url-status=dead , archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708085450/http://www.bottlebrushpress.com/scentedgeraniums.html , archive-date=2011-07-08


Ecology

''Pelargonium'' species are eaten by the
caterpillar Caterpillars ( ) are the larval stage of members of the order Lepidoptera (the insect order comprising butterflies and moths). As with most common names, the application of the word is arbitrary, since the larvae of sawflies (suborder Sym ...
s of some
Lepidoptera Lepidoptera ( ) is an order (biology), order of insects that includes butterfly, butterflies and moths (both are called lepidopterans). About 180,000 species of the Lepidoptera are described, in 126 Family (biology), families and 46 Taxonomic r ...
species, including the noctuid moth angle shades, ''Phlogophora meticulosa''. The diurnal butterflies ''
Cacyreus marshalli The geranium bronze or ''brun des pélargoniums'' in French (''Cacyreus marshalli''), is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The geranium bronze butterfly is native to South Africa. The butterfly was first introduced to Europe in the late ...
'' and '' C. tespis'' (Lycaenidae), native to southern Africa, also feed on ''Geranium'' and ''Pelargonium''. ''C. marshallii'' has been introduced to Europe and can develop into a pest on cultivated Pelargoniums. It has naturalised along the Mediterranean, but does not survive the winter in Westen Europe. The Japanese beetle, an important agricultural insect pest, becomes rapidly paralyzed after consuming flower petals of the garden hybrids known as "zonal geraniums" (''P.'' × ''hortorum''). The phenomenon was first described in 1920, and subsequently confirmed. Research conducted by Dr. Christopher Ranger with the USDA
Agricultural Research Service The Agricultural Research Service (ARS) is the principal in-house research agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). ARS is one of four agencies in USDA's Research, Education and Economics mission area. ARS is charged with ext ...
and other collaborating scientists have demonstrated the excitatory amino acid called quisqualic acid present within the flower petals is responsible for causing paralysis of the Japanese beetle. Quisqualic acid is thought to mimic L-glutamic acid, which is a
neurotransmitter A neurotransmitter is a signaling molecule secreted by a neuron to affect another cell across a synapse. The cell receiving the signal, any main body part or target cell, may be another neuron, but could also be a gland or muscle cell. Neuro ...
in the insect neuromuscular junction and mammalian central nervous system. A study by the Laboratory of Apiculture & Social Insects group at the University of Sussex on the attractiveness of common garden plants to pollinators found that a cultivar of ''Pelargonium'' × ''hortorum'' was unattractive to pollinators in comparison to other selected garden plants such as '' Lavandula'' (lavender) and '' Origanum''.{{cite journal, title=Quantifying variation among garden plants in attractiveness to bees and other flower-visiting insects, journal=Functional Ecology, year=2013, doi=10.1111/1365-2435.12178, volume=28, issue=2, pages=364–374, last1=Garbuzov, first1=Mihail, last2=Ratnieks, first2=Francis L. W.


Pests and diseases

{{Main, List of geranium diseases, Pelargonium flower break virus, Pelargonium line pattern virus The
geranium bronze The geranium bronze or ''brun des pélargoniums'' in French (''Cacyreus marshalli''), is a butterfly in the family Lycaenidae. The geranium bronze butterfly is native to South Africa. The butterfly was first introduced to Europe in the late 20th ...
butterfly is a pest of ''Pelargonium'' species. The larvae of the geranium bronze bore into the stem of the host plant, causing the stem to typically turn black and die soon after. Geranium bronze are currently listed as an A2 quarantine pest by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization and can cause significant damage to ''Pelargonium'' species.


Cultivation

Various types of ''Pelargonium'' are regular participants in flower shows and competitive events, with numerous societies devoted exclusively to their cultivation. They are easy to propagate vegetatively from cuttings.{{cite book , title=RHS A-Z encyclopedia of garden plants , year=2008 , publisher=Dorling Kindersley , location=United Kingdom , isbn=978-1405332965 , page=1136 Zonal geraniums grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9 through 12. Zonal geraniums are basically tropical perennials. Although they are often grown as annuals, they may overwinter in zones as cool as zone 7.


Cultivation history

The first species of ''Pelargonium'' known to be cultivated was ''P. triste'', a native of South Africa. It was probably brought to the Botanical Garden in Leiden before 1600 on ships which had stopped at the
Cape of Good Hope The Cape of Good Hope ( af, Kaap die Goeie Hoop ) ;''Kaap'' in isolation: pt, Cabo da Boa Esperança is a rocky headland on the Atlantic coast of the Cape Peninsula in South Africa. A common misconception is that the Cape of Good Hope is t ...
. In 1631, the English gardener John Tradescant the elder bought seeds from Rene Morin in Paris and introduced the plant to England. By 1724, '' P. inquinans'', '' P. odoratissimum'', '' P. peltatum'', '' P. vitifolium'', and '' P. zonale'' had been introduced to Europe.{{sfn, Taylor, 2014, lo
Pelargonium
}


Cultivars

There was little attempt at any rational grouping of ''Pelargonium'' cultivars, the growing of which was revived in the mid-twentieth century, and the origins of many if not most were lost in obscurity. In 1916 the American botanist
Liberty Hyde Bailey Liberty Hyde Bailey (March 15, 1858 – December 25, 1954) was an American horticulturist and reformer of rural life. He was cofounder of the American Society for Horticultural Science.Makers of American Botany, Harry Baker Humphrey, Ronald Press ...
(1858–1954) introduced two new terms for zonal and regal pelargoniums. Those pelargoniums which were largely derived from '' P. zonale'' he referred to as ''P.'' × ''hortorum'' (i.e. from the garden), while those from '' P. cucullatum'' he named ''P.'' × ''domesticum'' (i.e. from the home).{{sfn, Wilkinson, 2007, lo
p. 189
} In the late 1950s a list (the Spalding List) was produced in the United States, based on nursery listings and the 1897 list of
Henri Dauthenay Henri is an Estonian, Finnish, French, German and Luxembourgish form of the masculine given name Henry. People with this given name ; French noblemen :'' See the 'List of rulers named Henry' for Kings of France named Henri.'' * Henri I de Mont ...
.{{sfn, Dauthenay, 1897 It described seven groups, listing each cultivar with the list of its originator, and in most cases a date. These were Species, Zonals, Variegated-Leaved, Domesticum (Regals), Ivy-Leaved, Scented-Leaved and Old. In the 1970s the British Pelargonium and Geranium Society produced a checklist and the Australian Geranium Society started to produce a register but it was not completed till its author, Jean Llewellyn's death in 1999. None of these were published. The most complete list in its time was the 2001 compilation by The Geraniaceae Group,{{sfn, Amadio, 2015 which included all cultivars up to 1959.{{sfn, Wilkinson, 2007, lo
Appendix 2: Horticultural Classification and Glossary
} Registration of cultivars is the responsibility of the Pelargonium & Geranium Society (PAGS: formed in 2009 from the British Pelargonium and Geranium Society and the British and European Geranium Society){{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
About us
} which administers the International Register of Pelargonium Cultivars.{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
International Register of Pelargonium Cultivars
} PAGS is the International Cultivar Registration Authority (ICRA) of the International Society for Horticultural Science for pelargoniums.{{sfn, ISHS, 2015, lo
ICRA">International Cultivar Registration Authority, ICRA
: Pelargonium and Geranium Society} Cultivated pelargoniums are commonly divided into six groups{{sfn, RHS, 2015, lo
''Pelargonium'' (geranium)
} in addition to species pelargoniums and primary hybrids. The following list is ordered by position in the PAGS classification.{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Pelargonium Basics
} Abbreviations indicate Royal Horticultural Society usage.{{sfn, RHS, 2015, lo
Horticultural classification for ''Pelargonium'' L'Her. ex Aiton
} * A. Zonal (Z) * B. Ivy-leaved (I) * C. Regal (R) * D. Angel (A) * E. Unique (U) * F. Scented-leaved (Sc) * G. Species * H. Primary hybrids Of these, A, U and Sc groups are sometimes lumped together as Species Derived (Sppd). This term implies that they are closely related to a species from which they were derived, and do not fit into the R, I or Z groups.{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
} In addition to the primary groups, additional descriptors are used. The Royal Horticultural Society has created description codes. These include;{{sfn, RHS, 2015, lo
Horticultural classification for ''Pelargonium'' L'Her. ex Aiton
} * Cactus (Ca) * Coloured foliage (C) * Decorative (Dec) * Double (d) * Dwarf (Dw) * Dwarf Ivy-leaved (Dwl) * Frutetorum (Fr) * Miniature (Min) * Miniature Ivy-leaved (MinI) * Stellar (St) * Tulip (T) * Variegated (v) These may then be combined to form the code, ''e.g.'' ''Pelargonium'' 'Chelsea Gem' (Z/d/v), indicating Zonal Double with variegated foliage. Crosses between groups are indicated with an ×, ''e.g.'' ''Pelargonium'' 'Hindoo' (R × U), indicating a Regal × Unique cross.


A. Zonal pelargoniums (''Pelargonium'' × ''hortorum'' Bailey)

These are known as zonal geraniums because many have zones or patterns in the center of the leaves, this is the contribution of the '' Pelargonium zonale'' parent. Common names include storksbill, fish or horseshoe geraniums.{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
} They are also referred to as ''Pelargonium'' × ''hortorum'' Bailey. Zonal pelargoniums are tetraploid, mostly derived from '' P. inquinans'' and '' P. zonale'', together with ''P. scandens'' and ''P. frutetorum''.{{sfn, RHS, 2015, lo
''Pelargonium'' (geranium)
} Zonal pelargoniums are mostly bush-type plants with succulent stems grown for the beauty of their flowers, traditionally red, salmon, violet, white or pink. The scarlet colouring is attributed to the contribution of ''P. inquinans''.{{sfn, Taylor, 2014, lo
Pelargonium
} Flowers may be double or single. They are the pelargoniums most often confused with genus ''
Geranium ''Geranium'' is a genus of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as geraniums or cranesbills. They are found throughout the temperate regions of the world and the mountains of the tropics, but mostly in ...
'', particularly in summer bedding arrangements. This incorrect nomenclature is widely used in horticulture, particularly in North America.{{sfn, Taylor, 2014, lo
Pelargonium
} Zonals include a variety of plant types along with genetic hybrids such as hybrid ivy-leaved varieties that display little or no ivy leaf characteristics (the Deacons varieties), or the Stellar varieties. Hybrid zonals are crosses between zonals and either a species or species-derived pelargonium.{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
} There are hundreds of zonal cultivars available for sale, and like other cultivars are sold in series such as 'Rocky Mountain', each of which is named after its predominant colour, ''e.g.'' 'Rocky Mountain Orange', 'White', 'Dark Red', ''etc''. *(i) Basic plants – Mature plants with foliage normally exceeding {{convert, 180, mm, in, 0, abbr=on in height above the rim of the pot. For exhibition these should be grown in a pot exceeding {{convert, 120, mm, in, frac=4, abbr=on in diameter but not normally exceeding {{convert, 165, mm, in, frac=2, abbr=on. *(ii) Dwarf plants – Smaller than basic. Mature plants with foliage more than {{convert, 125, mm, in, 0, abbr=on above the rim of the pot, but not normally more than {{convert, 180, mm, in, 0, abbr=on. For exhibition should be grown in a pot exceeding {{convert, 90, mm, in, frac=2, abbr=on but not exceeding {{convert, 120, mm, in, frac=4, abbr=on. They should not exceed 200 mm in height, grown in an 11 cm pot.{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
} *(iii) Miniature plants – Slowly growing pelargoniums. Mature plants with foliage normally less than {{convert, 125, mm, in, 0, abbr=on above the rim of the pot. For exhibition should be grown in a pot not exceeding {{convert, 90, mm, in, frac=2, abbr=on. They should not exceed 125 mm in height, grown in a 9 cm pot.{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
} *(iv) Micro-miniature plants – Smaller and more slowly growing than miniature pelargoniums. Mature plants with foliage normally less than {{convert, 100, mm, in, 0, abbr=on above the rim of the pot. They should not exceed 75 mm in height, grown in a 6 cm pot.{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
} Usually no separate classes for these in exhibition and will therefore normally be shown as Miniature Zonals. *(v) Deacon varieties –Genetic hybrid similar to a large Dwarf. For exhibition (when shown in a separate class), usually grown in a pot not exceeding {{convert, 125, mm, in, 0, abbr=on, otherwise as for Dwarf Zonals. *(vi) Stellar varieties – A relatively modern genetic hybrid originating from the work done by the Australian hybridiser Ted Both in the late 1950s and 1960s from crosses between Australian species and Zonal types. Easily identifiable by their distinctive half-star-shaped leaves and slim-petalled blooms which create an impression of being star shaped (or five fingered). Single varieties tend to have larger elongated triangular petals whereas doubles tend to have thin feathered petals that are tightly packed together. For exhibition purposes there is a separate class for 'Stellar' varieties, but being Zonals could be shown in an open class for Basic, Dwarf or Miniature Zonals (unless otherwise stated). Also known as "The Five-fingered Geraniums", "Staphysagroides", "Both’s Staphs", "Both’s Hybrid Staphs", "Fingered Flowers" and "Bodey’s Formosum Hybrids".{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
} Fancy-leaf zonal pelargoniums – besides having green leaves with or without zoning, this group also have variable coloured foliage{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
} that is sometimes used in classifying for exhibition purposes, ''e.g.'' ‘Bicolour’, ‘Tricolour’, ‘Bronze’ or ‘Gold’. Other foliage types are: ‘Black’ or ‘Butterfly’. There are an increasing number of these plants with showy blooms; *(a) Bicolour – includes those with white or cream veined leaves or those with two distinct colours with clearly defined edges, other than the basic zone. *(b) Tricolour – (May be Silver Tricolour (usually called a Silver Leaf) or a Gold Tricolour). **(i) Gold Tricolour – Leaves of many colours including red and gold, but usually with clearly defined edges of golden yellow and having a leaf zone, usually red or bronze, that overlays two or more of the other distinct leaf colours, so that the zone itself appears as two or more distinct colours. **(ii) Silver Tricolour or Silver Leaf – These tend to resemble a normal bi-colour leaf plant with two distinct colours usually of green and pale cream or white; the third colour is usually made up of bronze zoning. When this zoning overlays the green part of the leaf it is deemed to represent a silver colour. *(c) Bronze Leaved – Leaves of Green or Golden/Green with a heavy bronze or chestnut coloured centre zone which is known as a medallion. For exhibition purposes, when exhibited in specific ‘Bronze’ Leaf class – Must have over 50% of leaf surface bronze coloured. The dwarf plant ‘Overchurch’ which has a heavy bronze medallion. *(d) Gold Leaved – Leaves coloured golden/yellow or green/yellow but not showing a tendency to green. For exhibition purposes, when exhibited in specific ‘Gold’ Leaf class – Must have over 50% of leaf surface gold coloured. *(e) Black Leaved – Leaves coloured black, purple-black or with distinct large dark zones or centre markings on green. *(f) Butterfly Leaved – Leaves with a butterfly marking of distinct tone or hue in centre of leaf. This can be encompassed in many of the coloured leaf varieties. Zonal pelargoniums have many flower types, as follows:{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
} *(a) Single flowered (S) – each flower pip normally having no more than five petals. This is the standard flower set for all Pelargoniums. *(b) Semi-double flowered (SD) – each flower pip normally having between six and nine petals. *(c) Double flowered (D)– each flower pip composed of more than nine petals (i.e. double the standard flower set) but not ‘hearted’ like the bud of a rose, ''e.g.'' the dwarf ‘Dovepoint’ which has full double blooms. *(d) Rosebud (or noisette) flowered – each bloom fully double and ‘hearted’. The middle petals are so numerous that they remain unopened like the bud of a rose.{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
} *(e) Tulip flowered – having semi-double blooms that never fully open. The large cup shaped petals open just sufficiently to resemble a miniature tulip. *(f) Bird's-egg group – having blooms with petals that have spots in a darker shade than the base colour, like many birds eggs.{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
} *(g) Speckled flowered group – having petals that are marked with splashes and flecks of another colour, ''e.g.'' ‘Vectis Embers’. *(h) Quilled (or cactus-flowered group, or poinsettia in USA) – having petals twisted and furled like a quill.{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
} “Zonquil” pelargoniums result from a cross between Zonal pelargonium cultivars and ''P. quinquelobatum''.{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
}


B. Ivy-leaved pelargoniums (derived from ''Pelargonium peltatum'')

Also known as "ivy geraniums".{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
}Usually of lax growth (trailing), mainly due to the long thin stems, with thick, waxy ivy-shaped stiff fleshy evergreen leaves developed by the species ''P. peltatum'' to retain moisture during periods of drought. Much used for hanging pots, tubs and basket cultivation. In the UK the bulbous double-headed types are preferred whilst on the European continent the balcon single types for large-scale hanging floral displays are favoured. Ivy-leaved pelargoniums embrace all such growth size types including small-leaved varieties and genetic hybrid crosses, which display little or no zonal characteristics. May have bicolour leaves and may have flowers that are single, double or rosette. Ivy pelargoniums are often sold as series such as 'Great Balls of Fire', in a variety of colours such as 'Great Balls of Fire Burgundy'. Additional descriptive terms include;{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
} * Hybrid Ivy — the result of ivy × zonal crosses, but still more closely resemble ivy-leaved pelargoniums. * Fancy leaf — leaves with marked color variation, together with or other than green. * Miniature — miniature leaves and flowers, stems with short nodes, and compact growth. ''e.g.'' 'Sugar Baby' listed as Dwarf Ivy (DwI) by RHS.{{sfn, RHS, 2015, lo
Horticultural classification for ''Pelargonium'' L'Her. ex Aiton
}


C. Regal pelargoniums (''Pelargonium'' × ''domesticum'' Bailey)

These are large bush-type floriferous evergreen pelargoniums. In addition to "Regals" they are also known as “Show Pelargoniums”. In the United States they are often known as the "Martha Washington" or ‘"Lady Washington" pelargoniums. They are grown primarily for the beauty and richness of their flower heads, which are large. Most of those cultivars grown currently are the result of hybridization over the last 50 years. They are very short-jointed and compact, which results in their requiring very little work in order to create a floriforous and well-rounded plant.{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
}{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Pelargonium Basics
} Flowers are single, rarely double, in mauve, pink, purple or white. They have rounded, sometimes lobed or partially toothed (serrated) leaves, unlike the Zonal groups, without any type of zoning. Additional descriptive terms include;{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
} * Fancy leaf – Leaves with marked variations in colour * Decorative pelargoniums (Decoratives) – Descendants of older, less compact, smaller-flowered varieties that are more suited to outdoor conditions. These have smaller flowers than Regal, but are otherwise similar. ''e.g.'' ‘Royal Ascot’ * Miniature – Flowers and leaves similar to Regal, but miniature in form, with compact growth. Other terms include “Pansy Geraniums” or “Pansy Pelargoniums”. ''e.g.'' ‘Lara Susan’ * Oriental pelargoniums – The result of crosses between Regals and members of the Angel group (see below). Some have bicolour foliage.


D. Angel pelargoniums (derived from ''Pelargonium crispum'')

Angel pelargoniums are similar to Regal pelargoniums but more closely resemble '' P. crispum'' in leaf shape and growth habit. The majority of Angel cultivars originate from a cross between ''P. crispum'' and a Regal variety in the early part of the 20th century. Angels have grown in popularity in the last 30 years or so due mainly to an explosion of new varieties being released by specialist nurseries resulting from the work done by dedicated amateur hybridisers. These hybrisers have managed to obtain many new flower colour breaks and tighter growth habits resulting in plants suitable for all sorts of situations. Angels basically have the appearance of a small Regal with small serrated leaves and much smaller flowers and are more compact and bushy. The group extends to include similar small-leaved and -flowered types but usually with ''P. crispum'' in their parentage. They are mostly upright bush-type plants but there are some lax varieties that can be used for basket or hanging pot cultivation. Often called "pansy-faced" in the US. Some varieties have bicolour foliage. Other terms include ‘Langley-Smith Hybrids’.{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
}


E. Unique pelargoniums (derived from ''Pelargonium fulgidum'')

Unique in sense of not fitting into any of the above categories. The parentage of Unique pelargoniums is confused and obscure. One theory being a derivation from ''P. fulgidum'', but a derivation from an older cultivar 'Old Unique’, also known as or ‘Rollinson’s Crimson’, in the mid-19th century is also claimed.{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
} Unique pelargoniums resemble upright Scented Leaf pelargoniums in being shrubby and woody evergreens. They have distinctly scented leaves, and small flowers with blotched and feathered petals. They may have bicolour foliage. Some types, popularly known in the hobby as hybrid Uniques, have been crossed with Regal pelargoniums and, as a result of this cross, are much more floriferous. ; Cultivar: * Fiery-flowered Stork's-bill, Scarlet Unique Scented Geranium (''P.'' × ''ignescens''){{sfn, Sweet, 1822, lo
''Pelargonium ignescens''
} - a ''P. fulgidum'' hybrid


F. Scented-leaved pelargoniums

Shrubby evergreen perennials grown chiefly for their fragrance, may be species or cultivars but all must have a clear and distinct scented foliage. Scent is emitted when the leaves are touched or bruised with some scents aromatic, others pungent and in a few cases, quite unpleasant. Several of the scented leaved pelargoniums are grown for the oil geraniol, which is extracted from the leaves and is an essential oil much used commercially in perfumery. The scent of some species growing in their natural habitat, acts as a deterrent to grazing animals who appear to dislike the emitted scent. Conversely, it also attracts other insect life to visit the bloom and pollinate the plant. The scented leaves can be used for potpourri and they also have a use as flavourings in cooking. Occasionally scented types can be found in some of the other groups mentioned; for example, the Angels, having ''P. crispum'' in their genetic makeup, can often have a strong citrus scent. Leaves are lobed, toothed, incised or variegated. Growth habit is very variable, but the flowers are less prominent than other groups, and most closely resemble the species they originated from.{{sfn, PAGS, 2015, lo
Horticultural symbols and terms
} These include: * Almond - ''
Pelargonium quercifolium ''Pelargonium quercifolium'' is a species of geranium known by the common name oakleaf geranium or oak-geranium. It is native to South Africa, and it is a commonly grown ornamental plant. It is in the subgenus pelargonium along with Pelargonium c ...
'' * Apple - ''
Pelargonium odoratissimum ''Pelargonium odoratissimum'' is a pelargonium species native to South Africa. It is also known as the apple geranium or apple pelargonium due to the distinct apple scent. It is in the subgenus ''Reniforme'' along with ''Pelargonium sidoides'' a ...
'' * Apple - '' Pelargonium cordifolium'' * Apple/Mint - '' Pelargonium album'' * Apricot/Lemon - ''Pelargonium scabrum'' * Balsam - ''Pelargonium panduriforme'' * Camphor - ''Pelargonium betulinum'' * Celery - ''Pelargonium ionidiflorum'' * Cinnamon - ''Pelargonium 'Ardwyck Cinnamon * Coconut - ''
Pelargonium grossalarioides ''Pelargonium grossularioides'' is a species of geranium ''Geranium'' is a genus of 422 species of annual, biennial, and perennial plants that are commonly known as geraniums or cranesbills. They are found throughout the temperate regions o ...
'' (''Pelargonium parriflorum'') * Eau de Cologne - ''Pelargonium 'Brilliantine * Eucalyptus - ''Pelargonium 'Secret Love * Grapefruit - ''Pelargonium 'Poquita * Ginger - ''Pelargonium 'Torrento or 'Cola Bottles' which is a variety of ''Pelargonium'' x ''nervosum'' * Hazelnut - ''Pelargonium 'Odorata Hazelnut'' * Lavender - ''Pelargonium 'Lavender Lindy * Lemon - '' Pelargonium crispum'' * Lemon - ''Pelargonium citronellum'' (Synonym - ''Pelargonium'' 'Mabel Grey') * Lemon Balm - ''Pelargonium x melissinum'' * Lime - ''Pelargonium x nervosum'' * Myrrh - ''Pelargonium myrrhifolium'' * Nutmeg - '' Pelargonium x fragrans'' * Old Spice - ''Variety of Pelargonium x fragrans'' * Orange - ''Pelargonium x citriodorum'' (Synonym - ''Pelargonium'' 'Prince of Orange') * Peach - ''Pelargonium 'Peaches and Cream * Peppermint - ''
Pelargonium tomentosum ''Pelargonium tomentosum'', the peppermint-scented geranium, is a pelargonium species native to South Africa. It is in the subgenus ''Pelargonium'' along with ''Pelargonium graveolens'', ''Pelargonium crispum'' and '' Pelargonium capitatum''. E ...
'' * Pine - ''Pelargonium denticulatum'' * Pineapple - ''Pelargonium 'Brilliant * Raspberry - ''Pelargonium 'Red Raspberry * Rose - '' Pelargonium graveolens'' (Synonym - ''Pelargonium roseum'') * Rose - ''
Pelargonium capitatum ''Pelargonium capitatum'' is one of several species (including ''Pelargonium graveolens'') known as rose geranium or rose-scented pelargonium in English. The popular names refer to the scent of the essential oils extracted from glandular tissue, ...
'' * Rose - ''
Pelargonium radens ''Pelargonium radens'', the rasp-leaf pelargonium is a species of ''Pelargonium''. It is in the subgenus Pelargonium along with ''Pelargonium crispum'' and '' Pelargonium tomentosum''. Description ''Pelargonium radens'' is an evergreen perennial ...
'' * Southernwood - ''Pelargonium abrotanifolium'' * Spicy - ''
Pelargonium exstipulatum ''Pelargonium exstipulatum'' is a pelargonium species native to South Africa. It is in the subgenus ''Reniforme'' along with ''Pelargonium odoratissimum'' and ''Pelargonium sidoides''. Etymology Pelargonium comes from the Greek; Pelargos which ...
'' * Strawberry - ''Pelargonium x scarboroviae'' ; Cultivars: * 'Attar of Roses' - a cultivar of ''P. capitatum'' * 'Crowfoot Rose' - a cultivar of ''P. radens'' * 'Dr. Livingston' - a cultivar of ''P. radens'' * 'Grey Lady Plymouth' - a cultivar of ''P. graveolens'' * 'Prince Rupert' - a cultivar of ''P. crispum''


G. Species pelargoniums

The species are the forefathers of all the cultivar groups listed above. In general, the definition of a species is that it breeds true, and is to be found doing this in the "wild". Species pelargoniums have a large diversity of characteristics in habit, shape, size and colour, which probably accounts for them having retained their popularity for more than 300 years.


H. Primary hybrids

A primary hybrid is recognised as being the resultant plant from a first-time cross between two different known species. Examples are ''P.'' × ''ardens'' – from ''P. lobatum'' × ''P. fulgidum'' (1810). ''P.'' × ''glauciifolium'' – from ''P. gibbosum'' × ''P. lobatum'' (1822). Usually, but not always, primary hybrids are sterile.


List of AGM pelargoniums

The following is a selection of pelargoniums which have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's
Award of Garden Merit The Award of Garden Merit (AGM) is a long-established annual award for plants by the British Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). It is based on assessment of the plants' performance under UK growing conditions. History The Award of Garden Merit ...
: *'Attar of Roses' (rose scented leaves, pink flowers) *'Citriodorum' (lemon scented leaves, rose pink flowers) *'Dolly Varden' (variegated leaves, scarlet flowers) *'Frank Headley' (cream vareigated leaves, salmon pink flowers) *'Fringed Aztec' (white & purple fringed flowers) *'Gemstone' (scented leaves, pink flowers) *'Grace Thomas' (lemon scented leaves, pale pink flowers) *'Joy' (pink & white frilled flowers) *'Lady Plymouth' (''P. graveolens variegata'' - small mauve flowers) *'Lara Candy Dancer' (scented leaves, pale mauve flowers) *'Lara Starshine' (aromatic leaves, lilac flowers) *'L'Élégante' (ivy-leaved, trailing, white and purple flowers) *'Mabel Grey' (lemon-scented leaves, mauve flowers) *'Mrs Quilter' (bronze leaves, salmon pink flowers) *'Radula' (lemon & rose scented leaves, pink & purple flowers) *'Royal Oak' (balsam scented leaves, mauve flowers) *'Spanish Angel' (lilac & magenta flowers) *'Sweet Mimosa' (balsam-scented leaves, pale pink flowers) *'Tip Top Duet' (pink & wine-red flowers) *'Voodoo' (crimson & black flowers) *''P. tomentosum'' (peppermint-scented leaves, small white flowers)


Usage


Ornamental plants

Pelargoniums rank as one of the highest number of potted flowering plants sold and also in terms of wholesale value.


Scented leaf pelargoniums

Other than being grown for their beauty, species such as '' P. graveolens'' are important in the perfume industry and are cultivated and
distilled Distillation, or classical distillation, is the process of separating the components or substances from a liquid mixture by using selective boiling and condensation, usually inside an apparatus known as a still. Dry distillation is the heating ...
for their scents. Although scented pelargoniums exist which have smells of citrus, mint, pine, spices or various fruits, the varieties with rose scents are most commercially important.{{citation needed, date=July 2012 Pelargonium distillates and absolutes, commonly known as "scented geranium oil" are sometimes used to supplement or adulterate expensive rose oils. The oils of the scented pelargoniums contain citronellol, geraniol, eugenol, alpha pinene and many other compounds. The edible leaves and flowers are also used as a flavouring in desserts, cakes, jellies and teas. Scented-leafed pelargoniums can be used to flavor jellies, cakes, butters, ice cream, iced tea and other dishes, The rose-, lemon- and peppermint-scents are most commonly used. Also used are those with hints of peach, cinnamon and orange. Commonly used lemon-scented culinary species include ''P. crispum and P. citronellum''. Rose-scenteds include ''P. graveolens'' and members of the ''P. graveolens'' cultivar group. Other species and cultivars with culinary use include the lime-scented ''P.'' ‘Lime’, the lemon balm-scented ''P.'' ‘Lemon Balm’, the strawberry-lemon-scented ''P.'' ‘Lady Scarborough’ and the peppermint-scented ''P. tomentosum''.{{cite web, title=Pelargoniums - An Herb Society of America Fact Sheet, url=http://www.herbsociety.org/factsheets/pelargoniums_fact.pdf, publisher=The Herb Society of America, year=2006, access-date=20 December 2012, url-status=dead, archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120227124006/http://www.herbsociety.org/factsheets/pelargoniums_fact.pdf, archive-date=27 February 2012 Scented leaf pelargoniums have also been historically used as toilet paper by fishermen in remote places, such as the Minquiers.


Herbal medicine

In
herbal medicine Herbal medicine (also herbalism) is the study of pharmacognosy and the use of medicinal plants, which are a basis of traditional medicine. With worldwide research into pharmacology, some herbal medicines have been translated into modern remed ...
, ''Pelargonium'' has been used for intestinal problems, wounds and respiratory ailments, but ''Pelargonium'' species have also been used for fevers, kidney complaints and other conditions. Geranium (Pelargonium) oil is considered a relaxant in aromatherapy, and in recent years, respiratory/cold remedies made from ''P. sidoides'' and ''P. reniforme'' have been sold in Europe and the United States. ''P. sidoides'' along with Echinacea is used for bronchitis. ''P. odoratissimum'' is used for its astringent, tonic and antiseptic effects. {{citation needed, date=May 2016 It is used internally for debility,
gastroenteritis Gastroenteritis, also known as infectious diarrhea and gastro, is an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract including the stomach and intestine. Symptoms may include diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Fever, lack of energy, and dehydra ...
, and hemorrhage and externally for skin complaints, injuries, and neuralgia and
throat infection Pharyngitis is inflammation of the back of the throat, known as the pharynx. It typically results in a sore throat and fever. Other symptoms may include a runny nose, cough, headache, difficulty swallowing, swollen lymph nodes, and a hoarse voi ...
s. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Pets According to th
ASPCA
these plants are toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.


Chemistry

Pelargonin Pelargonin is an anthocyanin. It is the 3,5-''O''-diglucoside of pelargonidin. Natural occurrences Pelargonin is a pigment, found in barberries, the petals of the scarlet pelargonium flower pomegranates, and red wine. See also * Phenolic cont ...
(pelargonidin 3,5-O-diglucoside) is a petal pigment of the
scarlet Scarlet may refer to: * Scarlet (cloth), a type of woollen cloth common in medieval England * Scarlet (color), a bright tone of red that is slightly toward orange, named after the cloth * Scarlet (dye), the dye used to give the cloth its color * ...
pelargonium.


Culture

The chemist,
John Dalton John Dalton (; 5 or 6 September 1766 – 27 July 1844) was an English chemist, physicist and meteorologist. He is best known for introducing the atomic theory into chemistry, and for his research into colour blindness, which he had. Colour b ...
, realized that he was color blind in 1794 when he heard others describe the color of the flowers of the pink '' Pelargonium zonale'' as pink or red, when to him it looked either pink or blue, having no relationship to red at all.{{cite journal, last=Dalton, first=John, title=Extraordinary facts relating to the vision of colours: with observations., journal=Memoirs of the Literary and Philosophical Society of Manchester, year=1798, volume=5, pages=28–45


Notes

{{notelist


References

{{Reflist, 30em, refs= *{{cite patent , url=http://www.google.com/patents/CA2704584C?cl=en , title=Flower pigmentation in pelargonium hortorum , country=CA , number=2704584 , pubdate=October 29, 2013 , status=grant , gdate= , fdate=Nov 14, 2008 , pridate= , inventor=Hanes, Mitchell E. , invent1= , invent2= , assign1= , assign2= , class= {{cite web , title=''Pelargonium'' L'Hér. ex Aiton , url=http://plantsoftheworldonline.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:30302759-2 , website=Plants of the World Online , publisher= Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew , access-date=2 August 2020 *The Pelargonium Page
/ref>


Bibliography


Books

{{refbegin, 40em * {{cite book, last1=Bakker , first1=F. T. , last2=Culham , first2=A. , last3=Gibby , first3=M. , chapter=Chapter16. Phylogenetics and diversification in Pelargonium , editor1-last=Hollingsworth , editor1-first=P. , editor2-last=Bateman , editor2-first=R. , editor3-last=Gornall , editor3-first=R. , title=Molecular Systematics and Plant Evolution , year=1999 , publisher=CRC Press , isbn=978-0-7484-0908-2 , doi=10.1201/9781439833278.ch16 , pages=353–374 , name-list-style=amp * {{cite book, last1=Boddy, first1=Kasia, title=Geranium, date=2013, publisher=Reaktion Books, location=London, isbn=9781780230580, url=https://books.google.com/books?id=24eoWcnoyfcC, access-date=31 July 2015 * {{cite book, last1=Butterfield, first1=Harry Morton, title=Geraniums and pelargoniums for the home garden, date=1953, publisher=University of California, location=Berkeley, url=https://archive.org/details/geraniumspelargo12butt, access-date=23 July 2015 * {{cite book, editor1-last=Lis-Balchin, editor1-first=Maria, title=Geranium and pelargonium: the genera geranium and pelargonium, date=2002, publisher=Taylor & Francis, location=London, isbn=978-0-415-28487-5, url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-bR8GxQ6BU0C, access-date=12 July 2015 * {{cite book , last=Mabberley , first=David J , title=Mabberley's Plant-Book , year=2013 , publisher=Cambridge University Press , isbn=978-1107782594 , chapter-url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZFFgAgAAQBAJ&pg=PT641 , chapter=Pelargonium, page=641, edition=3 , access-date=17 August 2014 * {{cite book, last1=Taylor, first1=Judith M., title=Visions of Loveliness: Great Flower Breeders of the Past, date=2014, publisher=Ohio University Press, isbn=9780804040624, url=https://books.google.com/books?id=RWuZBgAAQBAJ, access-date=23 July 2015 * {{cite book, author1=van der Walt , author2=Vorster , others=Illustrated by
Ellaphie Ward-Hilhorst Johanna Ellaphie Ward-Hilhorst (10 July 1920 Pretoria – 30 June 1994 Cape Town) was a South African botanical artist. She received her early education in Pretoria. After matriculating from Pretoria Girls' High School she started work in 1939 ...
, title=Pelargoniums of Southern Africa (3 vols) , date=1971–1988 , publisher=Purnell , location=Cape Town & Johannesburg , name-list-style=amp * {{cite book, last1=Wilkinson, first1=Ann, title=The Passion for Pelargoniums. How They Found Their Place in the Garden, date=2007, publisher=The History Press, location=Stroud, isbn=9780752496061, url=https://books.google.com/books?id=6787AwAAQBAJ, access-date=12 July 2015


Historical

* {{cite book , url=http://bibdigital.rjb.csic.es/ing/Libro.php?Libro=1386 , last=Dillenius , first=Johann Jakob , author-link=Dillenius , title=Hortus Elthamensis seu Plantarum Rariorum ... , publisher=Sumptibus Auctoris , location=London , date=1732 , access-date=26 July 2015, language=la *
''Hortus Elthamensis''
on Gallica * {{cite book , url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/669#/summary , last=Linnaeus , first=Carl , author-link=Carl Linnaeus , title=Species Plantarum, ... , publisher=Impensis Laurentii Salvii , location=Stockholm , date=1753 , doi=10.5962/bhl.title.669 , language=la * {{cite book , url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/102247#/summary , last=Sweet , first=Robert , author-link=Robert Sweet (botanist) , title=Geraniaceae: The Natural Order of Gerania , volume=I , publisher=James Ridgeway , location=Piccadilly , date=1822 , doi=10.5962/bhl.title.102247 , hdl=2027/gri.ark:/13960/t61580v6m * {{cite book , url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ZTJCAAAAYAAJ , last1=Dauthenay , first1=Henri , title=Les Géraniums (Pelargonium zonale & inquinans): description et culture ... , publisher=Octave Doin , location=Paris, date=1897 , access-date=12 July 2015 , language=fr * {{cite encyclopedia , url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/29309#/summary , last=Bailey , first=L.H. , author-link=L.H.Bailey , title=The Cyclopedia of American Horticulture , format=4 vols. , publisher=Macmillan , location=New York , date=1906 , orig-year=1900 , edition=5th, doi=10.5962/bhl.title.29309 * {{cite encyclopedia , url=https://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/23351#/summary , last=Bailey , first=L.H. , author-link=L.H.Bailey , title=The Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture , format=6 vols. , publisher=Macmillan , location=New York , date=1919 , orig-year=1900 , edition=3rd, doi=10.5962/bhl.title.23351 {{refend


Articles and theses

{{refbegin, 40em * {{cite journal , last1=Aedo , first1=Carlos , last2=Garmendia , first2=Félix Muñoz , title=Some Notes on the Sectional Nomenclature of Geranium (Geraniaceae) , journal=Taxon , volume=45 , issue=1 , date=Feb 1996 , pages=104–106 , doi=10.2307/1222593 , jstor=1222593 , name-list-style=amp * {{cite journal, last1=Bakker, first1=Freek T., last2=Culham, first2=Alastair, last3=Pankhurst, first3=Clive E., last4=Gibby, first4=Mary , title=Mitochondrial and chloroplast DNA-based phylogeny of Pelargonium (Geraniaceae) , journal=Am. J. Bot. , date=May 2000 , volume=87 , issue=5 , pages=727–734 , url=http://www.amjbot.org/content/87/5/727.full , access-date=13 July 2015 , ref={{harvid, Bakker et al, 2000 , doi=10.2307/2656859 , jstor=2656859 , pmid=10811797, name-list-style=amp * {{cite journal, last1=Bakker, first1=Freek T., last2=Culham, first2=Alastair, last3=Hettiarachi , first3=Priyani , last4=Touloumenidou , first4=Tasoula , last5=Gibby , first5=Mary , title=Phylogeny of Pelargonium (Geraniaceae) based on DNA sequences from three genomes , journal=Taxon , volume=53 , issue=1 , date=Feb 2004 , pages=17–28 , url=http://edepot.wur.nl/37026 , doi=10.2307/4135485 , jstor=4135485 , name-list-style=amp * {{cite thesis , last=Lalli , first=Jacqueline Yolande Yvette , date=2005 , title=In Vitro Pharmacological Properties and Composition of Leaf Essential Oils and Extracts of Selected Indigenous Pelargonium (Geraniaceae) Species , type=MPharm , publisher=University of the Witwatersrand , url=http://wiredspace.wits.ac.za/bitstream/handle/10539/1690/Dissertation.pdf , access-date=7 August 2017 * {{cite journal, last1=Röschenbleck, first1=J, last2=Albers, first2=F, last3=Müller, first3=K, last4=Weinl, first4=S, last5=Kudla, first5=J , title=Phylogenetics, character evolution and a subgeneric revision of the genus Pelargonium (Geraniaceae) , journal=Phytotaxa , date=11 February 2014 , volume=159 , issue=2 , pages=31–76 , url=http://www.mapress.com/phytotaxa/content/2014/f/p00159p076f.pdf , ref={{harvid, Roschenbleck et al, 2014 , name-list-style=amp, doi=10.11646/phytotaxa.159.2.1 * {{cite journal, last1=van der Walt, first1=J.J.A., title=Notes on the nomenclature of Pelargonium Geraniaceae, journal=Journal of South African Botany, date=1979, volume=45, pages=377–380, url=http://eurekamag.com/research/006/000/006000979.php, access-date=14 July 2015 * {{cite journal, last1=van der Walt, first1=J.J.A., last2=Vorster, first2=P.J., title=Typification of the Genus Pelargonium L'Hérit. (Fam. Geraniaceae), journal=Taxon, date=February 1981, volume=30, issue=1, pages=307, doi=10.2307/1219408, jstor=1219408 , name-list-style=amp {{refend


Societies

{{refbegin, 40em * {{cite web, last1=ISHS, title=International Society for Horticultural Science, url=http://www.ishs.org/, access-date=13 July 2015, date=2015, author1-link=International Society for Horticultural Science * {{cite web, last1=RHS, title=Royal Horticultural Society, url=https://www.rhs.org.uk/, access-date=19 June 2015, date=2015, author1-link=Royal Horticultural Society * {{cite web, last1=PAGS, title=The Pelargonium & Geranium Society, url=http://thepags.org.uk/, access-date=7 July 2015, date=2015 * {{cite web, last1=AGS, title=Australian Geranium Society, url=http://www.australiangeraniumsociety.org.au/, access-date=8 July 2015, date=2014 * {{cite web, last1=HSA, title=The Herb Society of America, url=http://www.herbsociety.org/, access-date=12 July 2015, date=2015, archive-date=24 September 2015, archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924025744/http://www.herbsociety.org/factsheets/Pelargonium%20Guide.pdf, url-status=bot: unknown** * {{cite web, last1=Amadio, first1=Marisa, title=The Geraniaceae Group, url=http://www.geraniaceae-group.org/, access-date=13 July 2015, date=2015 {{refend


External links

{{Commons category
''The Pelargonium Page'': descriptions of botanical species with plant and habitat photos, illustrations and literature

Pacific Bulb Society: Pelargonium (tuberous species)
{{Taxonbar, from=Q146118 {{Authority control Geraniales genera Garden plants Medicinal plants Taxa named by Charles Louis L'Héritier de Brutelle