PELARGONIUM ECHINATUM

This member of the Geraniaceae family was given this name by William Curtis in 1795. It is found in north-western South Africa, growing in a well drained soil with some water and lots of sun. The swollen stems can grow to eight centimetres in diameter, the entire plant to 30 or even 60 centimetres in height. The flowers are from white over pink to purple with a darker centre.

The genera name from Greek; pelargos; 'stork' for the ripening fruits, which resembles the bills of storks. The species name referring to the "spines" on the stems, which actually are dried stipules. This is a winter-grower. The flowers by Vered A. Mann.