Pelargonium gibbosum

(L.) L;Her.

Gouty pelargonium, Knotted pelargonium

Geraniaceae Edible: Leaves, Buds, Stems 430 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Description

A subtropical herb or ground cover shrub in the Geraniaceae family.

This description is brief — help expand it

Edible Uses

The stems, leaves, and buds are eaten as a snack.

Traditional Uses

The stems and leaves are eaten as a snack.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

In herbal medicine, 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 US. P. sidoides along with Echinacea is used for bronchitis. P. odoratissimum is used for its astringent, tonic and antiseptic effects. It is used internally for debility, gastroenteritis, and hemorrhage and externally for skin complaints, injuries, and neuralgia and throat infections. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy.

Distribution

It is a subtropical plant.

Where It Grows

Africa, South Africa*, Southern Africa,

References (3)

PlantZAfrica.org
Ruiters-Welcome, A. K., 2019, Food plants of southern Africa. Ph.D. thesis. Univ. of Johannesburg p 64
Welcome, A. K. & Van Wyk, B.-E., 2019, An inventory and analysis of the food plants of southern Africa. South African Journal of Botany 122 (2019) 136–179