PELARGONIUM ANTIDYSENTERICUM

This member of the Geraniaceae family was given this name by Vincenz Franz Kosteletzky in 1896. It is found in South Africa and Namibia, growing in well-drained soil with some water and lots of sun. The caudex can grow to fourteen centimetres in diameter and the plant grow up to one and a half meters in height. The flowers are purple, and the plant can be reproduced both by seeds and cuttings.

The genera name from Greek; pelargos; 'stork' for the ripening fruits, which resembles the bills of storks. The species name means 'anti-dysentery', referring to its medicinal properties for treating this intestinal infection. There are three distinct forms; Pelargonium antidysentericum ssp. antidysentericum, Pelargonium antidysentericum ssp. zonale, with have round leaves. P. a. ssp. inerme have less serrated leaves. This might be a winter-grower. P. a. ssp. antidysentericum by Matija Strlic, Pelargonium.si. P. a. zonale flower by Matija Strlic, Pelargonium.si.