Pelargonium acetosum

Pelargonium acetosum, the sorrel cranesbill or sorrel-leaved pelargonium, is a species of flowering plant in the family Geraniaceae, native to the eastern Cape Provinces of South Africa. A perennial reaching 60 cm (24 in) with salmon‑pink flowers, it is available from commercial suppliers. The sour‑tasting young leaves are eaten in South Africa in a manner similar to sorrel (Rumex acetosa).

Description

A herb. The branches are fleshy. The leaves are rarely divided. The upper petals are smaller than the others. Two of the 7 stamens are shorter than the rest.

Edible Uses

Buds and young leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. They have an acid, sorrel-like flavour and work well added to salads or stirred into soups and stews.

Traditional Uses

The leaves taste like sorrel. The flower buds and acid leaves are eaten.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

All parts of the plant are astringent.

Distribution

It is a Mediterranean plant. It grows near rivers. It can grow in arid places.

Where It Grows

Africa, Canada, North America, South Africa*, Southern Africa,

Propagation

Sow seed as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse, or in early spring if using stored seed. A minimum germination temperature of 13°C is recommended; seeds usually sprout within 2 weeks, though germination can sometimes take several months. Prick seedlings out into individual pots when large enough to handle and overwinter them under glass for at least their first year. If planting outdoors, do so in early summer and consider extra winter protection. Cuttings can be taken at almost any point during the growing season, though early summer is ideal to allow the new plant to establish before winter.

Other Uses

None known.

Notes

There are about 280 Pelargonium species. They are mostly from South Africa.

Synonyms

References (10)

• W. Aiton, Hort. kew. 2:430. 1789 - for authorship see comments in J. S. African Bot. 45:377-380. 1979\; authorship verified from original literature
• Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 118
• Fox, F. W. & Young, M. E. N., 1982, Food from the Veld. Delta Books. p 236
• Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 469
• Morley, B. & Everard, B., 1970, Wild Flowers of the World. Ebury press. Plate 74

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