Pelargonium zonale

(L.) L'Hér.

Horseshoe Geranium

Geraniaceae Edible: Leaves, Stalks 2,541 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Pelargonium zonale is a species of Pelargonium native to southern Africa in the western regions of the Cape Provinces, in the geranium family. It is one of the parents of the widely cultivated plant Pelargonium × hortorum, often called "geranium", "horseshoe geranium", "zonal geranium" or "zonal pelargonium".

Description

A herb or small shrub. It has red or white flowers. It has a disagreeable smell when crushed.

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Edible Uses

Leaves and stems are edible cooked as a vegetable.

Medicinal Uses

All parts of the plant are astringent.

Distribution

It is a tropical plant.

Where It Grows

Africa, Asia, Australia, Canary Is., Cuba, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Himalayas, Korea, Mexico, Middle East, Morocco, Myanmar, North America, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, SE Asia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Spain, Trinidad-Tobago, USA, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, West Indies, Yemen,

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Stored seed should be sown in early spring under glass. Germination requires a minimum temperature of 13°c and usually occurs within 2 weeks, though it can sometimes take several months. Prick seedlings out into individual pots when large enough to handle and grow on in the greenhouse for at least the first winter. If planting outdoors, set out in early summer and consider providing extra winter protection. Cuttings can be taken at almost any time during the growing season, though early summer is ideal to allow the new plant to establish before winter.

Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the plant.

Notes

There are about 230 Pelargonium species.

Synonyms

Geranium zonale L.and several others

References (6)

H. G. A. Engler, Pflanzenr. IV. 129(Heft 53):383. 1912
Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 469
Hibbert, M., 2002, The Aussie Plant Finder 2002, Florilegium. p 227
Kew Plants of the World Online
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

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