Pelargonium reniforme umbel

Pelargonium reniforme has interesting flower colour variations. There is a cerise pink form, a deep magenta coloured flower type and maybe also a very dark flowering variety. The two upper petals are close together and characterised by dark magenta and whitish markings. The lower three petals lack these markings. They are positioned pointing outwards with rounded tips. The pollen of this plant is white or green.

The plant forms clumps and has thick tuberous roots that anchor and feed it.

P. reniforme is heavily harvested for its herbal medicine properties from the Eastern Cape veld where it grows naturally. This has been going on for hundreds of years already, from the times of Khoi and San tribes that roamed that countryside in search of food and other “groceries”. The plant is dug up for the succulent roots that contain the medicinal substances. Bronchitis and stomach disorders count among the ailments treated with remedies made from this plant (www.scienceinafrica.co.za; www.drugs.com; www.lambley.com.au).