Pelargonium oblongatum

Another yellow-flowered species from a hot and arid habitat in Namaqualand and the Richtersveld is this deciduous species, Pelargonium oblongatum.

The leaves, when they are present, have petioles, arranged in a basal rosette. The leaf-shape is ovate. Their margins are scalloped and hairy.

The yellow petals have red markings. The oblong shape of the plant’s brownish black tuber, sometimes up to 12 cm long, gave rise to the choice of the specific name, oblongatum (Williamson 2010; www.pacificbulbsociety.org).