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Pelargonium odoratissimum - (L.)L'Hér.

Common Name Apple Geranium
Family Geraniaceae
USDA hardiness 8-11
Known Hazards None known
Habitats Shady places and under trees in forest margins in eastern and southern Cape areas[260].
Range S. Africa.
Edibility Rating    (2 of 5)
Other Uses    (3 of 5)
Weed Potential No
Medicinal Rating    (3 of 5)
Care (info)
Half Hardy Well drained soil Moist Soil Semi-shade Full sun
Pelargonium odoratissimum Apple Geranium


http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Llez
Pelargonium odoratissimum Apple Geranium
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Summary


Physical Characteristics

 icon of manicon of flower
Pelargonium odoratissimum is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft).
See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). The plant is self-fertile.
Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

 South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts:
Edible Uses: Condiment  Tea

The leaves are crushed and used to flavour salads, soups, fruit dishes, jellies, sorbets, ice-cream, cakes etc[183, 238]. Cake pans can be lined with the leaves and the pastry will be infused with their essence[183]. The leaves have an apple scent according to one report[183] but our plants have a very strong minty smell[K]. An infusion of the leaves is used as a tea[238].

References   More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

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Antiseptic  Aromatherapy  Astringent  Tonic

The whole plant is an aromatic herb with astringent, tonic and antiseptic effects[4, 238]. It is used internally in the treatment of debility, gastro-enteritis and haemorrhage[238]. Externally, it is used to treat skin complaints, injuries, neuralgia and throat infections[238]. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Balancing'[210]. It is used in the treatment of burns, sores and shingles[238].

References   More on Medicinal Uses

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Other Uses

Essential  Pot-pourri  Repellent

An essential oil is obtained from the plant[46, 171]. It is used in aromatherapy, perfumery and as an insect repellent[238]. The name 'odoratissimum' is derived from the Latin word meaning sweet scented. The growing plant will repel flies, especially if the leaves are touched occasionally to release their scent. The leaves are dried for use in pot-pourri and herb pillows[238].

Special Uses

Dynamic accumulator  Scented Plants

References   More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

An easily grown plant, succeeding in a well-drained ordinary good soil[260, K]. Requires a light well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in a sunny position[188, 200]. Plants are tolerant of some shade[238]. Plants are not very cold-hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -3°c[260]. They generally require greenhouse protection but might succeed outdoors when grown in a very sheltered warm spot in the mildest parts of the country[1]. They can also be grown in containers that are placed outdoors in the summer and then brought into the greenhouse or conservatory for the winter[238]. The plants need to be kept fairly dry in the winter[200]. When grown in pots, the plants require regular repotting in order to stay vigorous[260]. Very tolerant of pruning, they can be cut right down to the base in the autumn when bringing them back indoors, or in the spring to encourage lots of fresh growth[238]. The bruised leaves release a smell of ripe apples[245]. The plant is cultivated for its essential oil[171].

References   Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

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Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Stored seed should be sown in early spring in a greenhouse. The seed germinates best with a minimum temperature of 13°c, germination usually taking place within 2 weeks though it sometimes takes some months[200]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. If trying them outdoors, plant them out in early summer and consider giving them extra protection during the winter. Cuttings succeed at almost any time in the growing season but early summer is the best time in order for the new plant to become established before winter.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

AFRICA: South Africa (Cape Province, KwaZulu-Natal, Transvaal)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it’s worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

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Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

 

Expert comment

Author

(L.)L'Hér.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

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