Pelargonium exstipulatum
| Pelargonium exstipulatum | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Geraniales |
| Family: | Geraniaceae |
| Genus: | Pelargonium |
| Species: | Pelargonium exstipulatum |
| Binomial name | |
| Pelargonium exstipulatum | |
Pelargonium exstipulatum is a pelargonium species native to South Africa. It is in the subgenus reniforme along with Pelargonium odoratissimum and Pelargonium sidoides.
Etymology
Pelargonium comes from the Greek; Pelargos which means Stork. Another name for pelargoniums is storksbills due the shape of their fruit. Exstipulatum refers to the lack of Stipules on the leaves.
Description
Pelargonium exstipulatum is a tall, quite woody, 'shrublet' which grows up to metre high and 50 cm wide. It has small pink flowers and its leaves are waxy, green and ovate with a slight fringe. Its leaves have a sweet, slightly spicy scent.
Cultivars and Hybrids
There are only a few cultivars and hybrids of Pelargonium odoratissimum, these include:
- Pelargonium x fragrans - A hybrid between P.exstipulatum and P.odoratissimum.
- There are many varieties and cultivars of P.x fragrans. For a detailed list, see Pelargonium x fragrans
Uses
As well as being a wonderful houseplant or outdoor perennial depending on your climate, the leaves of Pelargonium exstipulatum can be used in something like Potpourri as they are quite aromatic.