Pelargonium radens leaves

There are several Pelargonium species that yield essential oils and are grown for this purpose. Pelargonium radens is an important one. Others include P. odoratissimum, P. graveolens (also commercially important), P. capitatum and P. tomentosum. Different chemical substances yielded by these plants contribute to the characteristic rose scented geranium oil.

There are also a few Pelargonium species used as food. The leaves and roots of P. bowkeri (a tuberous plant of the summer rainfall area) are or have been eaten by some traditional population groups. Similarly, P. rapaceum is a plant with a fleshy root that is roasted before eaten (Van Wyk and Gericke, 2000; Fox and Norwood Young, 1982).