Pelargonium papilionaceum

Pelargonium papilionaceum, in Afrikaans colloquially the rambossie (little ram bush), is an erect shrub reaching heights around 2 m. The lower stem becomes woody in mature plants, the many upper branches covered in soft hairs.

The species distribution lies in the southern, coastal parts of the Western Cape from Stellenbosch to the Eastern Cape as far as Makhanda (Grahamstown). This photo was taken near Greyton.

The habitat is forest margins, shaded kloofs and streambanks. The habitat population is deemed of least concern early in the twenty first century.

The plant is a suitable garden subject where conducive conditions can be provided (Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist; www.plantzafrica.com; http://redlist.sanbi.org).