Family Geraniaceae
A beautiful flower which grows into a carpet and ideal for a garden. Plants grow to a height of about 30cm. Flowers almost all year round with a peak during the summer months. It has
finely divided leaves which give it a soft texture in the garden.
It occurs naturally in the southwestern and eastern parts of the country
where it can be found scrambling about through natural vegetation. It can be
grown in full sun or semi-shade, although it does flower better and form a
tighter carpet in full sun.
Geranium incanum can be used very
effectively on banks or as a colourful border plant, it is also very attractive
when allowed to trail over retaining walls or garden pathways and steps. It is
also equally useful in mixed borders, pots or hanging baskets.
The word
Geranium comes from the greek
geranos which refers to
a crane as the seed capsule resembles that bird. The specific name makes reference
to a pale greyish-white colour possibly on the underside of the leaves.
This plant is used traditionally by both African people and Europeans to
make a medicinal tea from the leaves which is used to offer relief from certain
complaints such as bladder infections, venereal diseases, and conditions
relating to menstruation.
