Pelargonium crispum

Pelargonium crispum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Rosids
Order: Geraniales
Family: Geraniaceae
Genus: Pelargonium
Species: Pelargonium crispum
Binomial name
Pelargonium crispum

Pelargonium crispum is a pelargonium species native to South Africa. It is in the subgenus pelargonium along with Pelargonium graveolens and Pelargonium capitatum.

Etymology

Pelargonium comes from the Greek (pelargos which means Stork). Another name for pelargoniums is storksbills due the shape of their fruit. Crispum refers to the crinkled, crispy leaves.

Description

Pelargonium crispum is quite a large shrubby species, growing up to 70 cm tall.[1] It is a hairy plant with a strong lemon scent and pink flowers in summer. Its leaves are green in color and it has wide, fan shaped leaves with crinkled edges.

Cultivars and hybrids

There are many cultivars and hybrids of Pelargonium crispum as it hybridizes readily with other species in the pelargonium subgenus. These cultivars and hybrids include:

Note: Most Angel Pelargoniums are crosses between a regal pelargonium and Pelargonium crispum.

Uses

As well as being a wonderful houseplant or outdoor perennial depending on your climate, Pelargonium crispum has a couple of other uses. Firstly, the leaves are edible and are great in salads or for flavouring cakes and stir fry's. Secondly, the leaves are very aromatic and can be used in something like Potpourri.

References


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