PELARGONIUM TRIFOLIOLATUM

This member of the Geraniaceae family was given this name by Elizabeth M. Marais in 1993. It is found in south-western South Africa, growing in either clay, sandy or mixed and well drained soil with some water and some to lots of sun. The caudex can grow to three and a half centimetre, the leaves reach seventeen centimetres. The flowers are from cream over yellow to pink with maroon markings near the centre.

The genera name from Greek; pelargos; 'stork' for the ripening fruits, which resembles the bills of storks. The species name means 'three leaved'. This is a winter-grower. A two year old plant and its perhaps "juvenile" flower, which does not have the expected appearance. Photo by Vered A. Mann.