''Pelargonium cordifolium'' is a plant endemic to the fynbos region of the

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Etymology

''Pelargonium'' is from Ancient Greek πελαργός (pelargós = 'stork'). Another name for pelargonium is 'storksbill' after the shape of its fruit; 'cordifolium' refers to the heart-shaped leaves (cor/cordis being 'heart' in Latin).

Description

''Pelargonium cordifolium'' is a large, spreading species, growing up to 1.5 metres tall. It is a hairy plant with a slight apple scent and pale pink flowers with dark veins appearing from March to July. Its flat or curled, heart-shaped leaves are finely to coarsely toothed, entire or shallowly lobed, dark green on the upper surface and white-matted below. It is valued as a houseplant or as an outdoor perennial, climate permitting. Its leaves may be used in

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Cultivars and hybrids

There are a few cultivars and hybrids of ''Pelargonium cordifolium''. These include: *''Pelargonium cordifolium'' var. ''rubrocinctum'' - A variety with slightly paler leaves and reddish - pink flowers with maroon veins. *''Pelargonium cordifolium'' 'Caroline's Citrine' - A variety with golden leaves and dark blotches in the centre. *''Pelargonium cordifolium'' 'Donn's Goldstrike' - A variety with golden leaves similar to ''P.Caroline's Citrine' but without the dark green blotches.

References

Gallery

cordifolium Taxa named by Antonio José Cavanilles {{Geraniaceae-stub