''Pelargonium odoratissimum'' is a

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

species native to

South Africa South Africa, officially the Republic of South Africa (RSA), is the Southern Africa, southernmost country in Africa. Its Provinces of South Africa, nine provinces are bounded to the south by of coastline that stretches along the Atlantic O ...

. 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'' and '' Pelargonium exstipulatum''.

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 Ciconiidae, and make up the order Ciconiiformes . Ciconiiformes previously included a number of other families, such as herons and ibise ...

. Another name for pelargoniums is storksbills due to the shape of their fruit. Odoratissimum refers to the highly scented leaves.

Description

''Pelargonium odoratissimum'' is a small, spreading species which only grows up to 30 cm high and 60 cm wide. It has small pale pink flowers and its leaves are waxy, green and ovate.

Cultivars and hybrids

There are quite a few cultivars and hybrids of ''Pelargonium odoratissimum''. These cultivars and hybrids include: *''Pelargonium odoratissimum'' 'Big Apple' - A variety with larger leaves and a "

Granny Smith The Granny Smith is an List of apple cultivars, apple cultivar that originated in Australia in 1868. It is named after Maria Ann Smith, who Fruit tree propagation, propagated the cultivar from a chance seedling. The tree is thought to be a Hybri ...

" apple scent. *''Pelargonium odoratissimum'' 'Fringed Apple' - A variety with a slight hint of mint as well as apple fragrance. * Pelargonium × fragrans - A hybrid between ''P. odoratissimum'' and ''Pelargonium exstipulatum''. It has spicy,

eucalyptus ''Eucalyptus'' () is a genus of more than 700 species of flowering plants in the family Myrtaceae. Most species of ''Eucalyptus'' are trees, often Mallee (habit), mallees, and a few are shrubs. Along with several other genera in the tribe Eucalyp ...

scented leaves. A popular cultivar of this is ''P.'' 'Old Spice' which smells as the name suggests; of

Old Spice Old Spice is an American brand offering male grooming products including aftershaves, deodorants and antiperspirants, shampoos, body washes, shaving cream, and soaps. It is manufactured by Procter & Gamble. Old Spice was launched as Early Amer ...

. *''Pelargonium'' 'Lillan Pottinger' - An apple scented hybrid of ''P. odoratissimum'' and '' P. × fragrans'' .

Uses

As well as being a

houseplant A houseplant, also known as a pot plant, potted plant, or indoor plant, is an ornamental plant cultivated indoors. for aesthetic or practical purposes. These plants are commonly found in House, homes, Office, offices, and various indoor spaces, w ...

or outdoor perennial depending on climate, ''Pelargonium odoratissimum'' other uses. It is used for its astringent, tonic and antiseptic effects. It is used internally for debility, gastroenteritis, and hemorrhage and externally for skin complaints, injuries, and neuralgia and throat infections. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy and has a delicious apple aroma. It is also used to balance the hormonal system, menstrual flow, and clean the body of toxins. In Cyprus the leaves are used to flavour cake and pastry syrups. It also sometimes preserved and eaten as a spoon sweet (glyko tou koutaliou).

References

External links

Plants for a Future
odoratissimum {{Geraniaceae-stub