Description
Pelargonium inquinans ‘red’ is a beautiful plant commonly referred to as the “scarlet geranium”[1]. This species is part of the genus Pelargonium (family Geraniaceae), and is an indigenous shrub found in the south-western Cape of South Africa.Pelargonium inquinans ‘red’ is one of the ancestors of the hybrid line of horticultural Pelargoniums, referred to as the zonal group. They can easily be propagated by seeds and cuttings.
Growth habit and size of Pelargonium inquinans ‘red’
Stems of Pelargonium inquinans ‘red’
Pelargonium inquinans ‘red’ is a shrub possessing soft woody stems which can grow to heights of up to 2 metres. The stems are particularly soft and succulent when green and new; gradually hardening over time as they age and mature.
Leaves of Pelargonium inquinans ‘red’
The leaves are orbicular (shaped like a flat round ring or disc) with crenate edges (round-toothed / scalloped). They possess a smooth velvety feel and soft texture.
The evergreen leaves, borne by long petioles, are orbicular (like Pelargonium × hortorum but without dark markings), incised in 5 to 7 crenate lobes, with a viscous pubescence, giving a cottony appearance to both sides. To the touch, the leaves stain the fingers brown rust.
Flowers of Pelargonium inquinans ‘red’
The upper-most two (2) petals are slightly smaller and generally point more upwards than the lower three petals which are spaced more evenly apart. Flower heads are formed by clusters of smaller flowers. These clusters can be comprised of between 5 and 30 individual flowers.
The scarlet red flowers, sometimes pink or white, are grouped by 10 to 20 in pseudo-umbels. They are bilateral symmetry (zygomorph) with the 2 upper petals may be a little smaller than the 3 lower petals. Stamens and style are exerted. The filaments of the seven fertile stamens join over most of their length.
In South Africa, flowering is spread throughout the year.
Seeds of Pelargonium inquinans ‘red’
The seeds are oblong with an ovoid head with a corkscrew tail. Five seeds are produced per flower head. This species flowers through out the year.
The pericardial fruit is composed of 5 capsules terminated by a long, hairy, twisted curl at maturity.
Planting Pelargonium inquinans ‘red’ (Care and Cultivation)
These plants can tolerate a variety of conditions, but are particularly well suited to warmer climates. In such conditions, these plants can bring colour to a garden landscape or balcony through almost the entire year.
They can be propagated easily by seeds and cuttings.
Pelargonium inquinans ‘red’ – Etymology and History
The generic name Pelargonium in scientific Latin derives from the Greek pelargós (πελαργός), which means the stork and the shape of their fruit evoking the beak of the wader. The specific epithet “messy” derives from the Latin verb inquino “dirty, soil” because the leaves leave a brown trace on the fingers when touched.
The Pelargonium inquinans was grown in the garden of the Bishop of London, Henry Compton, an admirer of exotic plants. In 1713, when he died, Pelargonium inquinans was found in his collection. The first illustration from 1732 was made from a plant growing in the garden of British botanist James Sherard. Many hybrids have been derived from this species, but the true wild species can be recognized by its red glandular hairs.
Distribution of Pelargonium inquinans ‘red’ (Natural Habitat)
Pelargonium inquinansis indigenous to the south-western to south-eastern regions of South Africa. The Pelargonium with scarlet flowers grows in the Eastern Cape, Uitenhage, Albany, and south of Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.
It grows on clay soils, like Pelargonium × hortorum.
Hybrids of Pelargonium inquinans ‘red’
Pelargonium inquinans and Pelargonium zonale are generally considered as the two main wild ancestors of the zonal group of horticultural pelargoniums, commonly referred to as “florist geraniums” or “zoned leaf hybrid pelargoniums”. In botany, the name Pelargonium × hortorum L.H. Bailey is accepted.
These two species were introduced in the great gardens of Europe at the beginning of the eighteenth century.
Uses of Pelargonium inquinans ‘red’
Indigenous people use crushed leaves for headache and influenza. They are also used as a body deodorant.
Plants Shop Africa can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Different Pelargonium species
We have 3 other Pelargonium varieties currently for sale on our website:
► Browse: Pelargonium capitatum – rose geranium, rose-scented pelargonium
► Browse: Pelargonium zonale – wildemalva, horseshoe
►Browse: Pelargonium inquinans ‘salmon’
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References
- “Pelargonium inquinans“. Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 21 September 2015.
Notice of Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License:
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article “Pelargonium inquinans”, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.
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