PELARGONIUM ASARIFOLIUM

This member of the Geraniaceae family was given this name by George Don (or his son David?) in 1831. It is found in south western South Africa, growing in a well drained soil with some water and some sun. The caudex can grow to four or even six centimetres in diameter, the entire plant to fifteen to 30 centimetres in height. The flowers are from pale yellow over cream to dark purple with darker markings. The genera name from Greek; pelargos; 'stork' for the ripening fruits, which resembles the bills of storks. The species name referring to the very fine streaks of the feathering. This is a winter grower, flowering in the early summer. The flower by Jan Movitz, Geraniaceae-group.org.