Pelargonium inquinans ‘salmon’, is a member of the Geranium family (Geraniaceae) and the species is most widely known for its red-flowered variety (often referred to as the “scarlet geranium”). However, white, pink, and salmon coloured varieties do also exist and are equally beautiful in their own ways.Here, we are specifically referring to the salmon variety.Pelargonium inquinans ‘salmon’ is indigenous to the south-western to south-eastern regions of South Africa. The various varieties of this species are the ancestors of the hybrid line of horticultural pelargoniums, referred to as the zonal group.

Many hybrids have been derived from this species, but the true wild species can be recognized by its red glandular hairs.

Common names of Pelargonium inquinans ‘salmon’

Afrikaans: wildemalva

isiXhosa: ibhosisi

Plant care and propagation of Pelargonium inquinans ‘salmon’

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 ‘salmon’ size and growth habit

Stems of Pelargonium inquinans ‘salmon’

Pelargonium inquinans 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 ‘salmon’

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.

Flowers of Pelargonium inquinans ‘salmon’

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.

Seeds of Pelargonium inquinans ‘salmon’

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.

Distribution and habitat of Pelargonium inquinans ‘salmon’

This species has a natural distribution ranging from the Eastern Cape to habitats in southern Kwazulu-Natal. Although, admittedly, information the distribution of specific colour varieties is not freely available. However, it is believed that the red-flowered variety is the most populous in the wild.

Pelargonium inquinans usually grows on the perimeter of succulent scrub in predominantly shale-based soils. These plants can also be found on the edges of coastal bush and thicket margins.

Conservation status of Pelargonium inquinans ‘salmon’

As it currently stands the population of Pelargonium inquinans is not declining and is therefore classified under the Least Concern (LC) conservation status.

Pelargonium inquinans ‘salmon’ – Etymology and History

The generic name Pelargonium in scientific Latin derives from the Greek pelargós (πελαργός), which refers to the fact that the shape of the flower-storks evoke the beak of the wader bird. The specific epithet inquinans translates to “messy” and is derived from the Latin verb inquino roughly meaning “dirty, soil” because the leaves leave a brown trace on the fingers when touched persistently.

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 inquinans ‘red’ – scarlet geranium, wildemalva, ibhosisi

► Browse: Pelargonium zonale – wildemalva, horseshoe

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References

Notice of Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License:
This article uses material from the Wikipedia article “Aloe arborescens”, which is released under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share-Alike License 3.0.