''Pelargonium exstipulatum'' is a

pelargonium ''Pelargonium'' () is a genus of flowering plants that includes about 280 species of perennials, succulents, and shrubs, commonly called geraniums, pelargoniums, or storksbills. '' Geranium'' is also the botanical name and common name of a separ ...

species native to

South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the southernmost country in Africa. It is bounded to the south by of coastline that stretch along the South Atlantic and Indian Oceans; to the north by the neighbouring countri ...

. It is in the subgenus ''Reniforme'' along with ''

Pelargonium odoratissimum ''Pelargonium odoratissimum'' is a pelargonium species native to South Africa. It is also known as the apple geranium or apple pelargonium due to the distinct apple scent. It is in the subgenus ''Reniforme'' along with ''Pelargonium sidoides'' a ...

'' and ''Pelargonium sidoides''.

Etymology

Pelargonium comes from the Greek; Pelargos which means

stork Storks are large, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with long, stout bills. They belong to the family called Ciconiidae, and make up the order Ciconiiformes . Ciconiiformes previously included a number of other families, such as herons an ...

. Another name for pelargoniums is storksbills due to the shape of their fruit. Exstipulatum refers to the lack of Stipules on the leaves.

Description

''Pelargonium exstipulatum'' is a tall, quite woody, 'shrublet' which grows up to metre high and 50 cm wide. It has small pink flowers and its leaves are waxy, green and ovate with a slight fringe. Its leaves have a sweet, slightly spicy scent.

Cultivars and hybrids

There are only a few cultivars and hybrids of ''Pelargonium odoratissimum'', these include: * Pelargonium × fragrans - A hybrid between ''P. exstipulatum'' and '' P.odoratissimum''. *There are many varieties and cultivars of ''P.'' × ''fragrans''. For a detailed list, see Pelargonium × fragrans

Uses

As well as being a houseplant or outdoor perennial depending on climate, the leaves of ''Pelargonium exstipulatum'' can be used in something like potpourri as they are quite aromatic.

References

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