Pelargonium laevigatum

Pelargonium laevigatum, in Afrikaans commonly known as the noublaarmalva (narrow-leaved pelargonium), is a small, semi-succulent shrub that reaches heights up to 75 cm. The soft, smooth stems have a variable growth habit; mostly erect, sometimes straggling. The plant resprouts after fire.

The species distribution ranges from the Swartberge near Ladismith in the Little Karoo through the Langkloof and Baviaanskloof to Somerset East and Humansdorp in the Eastern Cape.

The habitat is dry mountain slopes in sandy or loamy soils of renosterveld, fynbos and variable scrubveld. The plants may be abundant on disturbed land, acting as a pioneer in increasing veld. The species is not considered threatened in its habitat early in the twenty first century (Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2010; Moriarty, 1997; www.plantzafrica.com).