Pelargonium tomentosum

Pelargonium tomentosum

Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Geraniales
Family:	Geraniaceae
Genus:	Pelargonium
Species:	Pelargonium tomentosum
Binomial name
*Pelargonium tomentosum* Jacq.

Pelargonium tomentosum, the peppermint-scented geranium,^[1] is a pelargonium species native to South Africa. It is in the subgenus Pelargonium along with Pelargonium graveolens and Pelargonium crispum.

Etymology

Pelargonium comes from the Greek; Pelargos which means stork. Another name for pelargoniums is storksbills due the shape of their fruit. Tomentosum refers to the soft, furry, tomentose leaves.

Description

Pelargonium tomentosum is a tall, spreading species which grows up to a metre wide and a metre high. It is a very soft, hairy plant with a strong mint scent (Due to the menthone in its leaves) and small white flowers in . Its leaves are green-grey in colour and it has wide, three lobe shaped leaves.

Cultivars and Hybrids

There are an only a few cultivars and hybrids of Pelargonium tomentosum. These cultivars and hybrids include:

Pelargonium tomentosum 'Chocolate Peppermint' - A hybrid between P. tomentosum and Pelargonium 'Giant Oak' (A cultivar of Pelargonium quercifolium). P. Chocolate Peppermint is a tall species that spreads like P. tomentosum. It smells slightly of mint but the 'chocolate' refers to the brown blotches in the centre of the leaves which it gets from P. 'Giant Oak'.
Pelargonium 'Islington Peppermint' - A hybrid between P. tomentosum and Pelargonium 'Splendide'. A smaller pelargonium with fresh mint scented leaves and striking bicolour flowers of white and brown. It is an unusual hybrid because P. tomentosum is in the subgenus Pelargonium but P. 'Splendide' is a hybrid between Pelargonium ovale and Pelargonium tricolor which are both in the subgenus Camphylia.

Uses

As well as being a houseplant or outdoor perennial depending on climate, Pelargonium tomentosum has a few other uses. Firstly, the leaves are edible and are great as a flavouring for cakes or tea. The leaves are not usually eaten due to the hairiness of the leaves being somewhat repulsive. Secondly, due to the astringent characteristics of the oils in its leaves, a poultice can be made to treat sprains or bruises. It is also works like mint for treating sore throats if the menthol is obtained correctly. Thirdly the leaves are very aromatic and can be used in potpourri.

References

↑ "BSBI List 2007". Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Archived from the original (xls) on 2015-02-25. Retrieved 2014-10-17.

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