Pelargonium quercifolium

Pelargonium quercifolium, in Afrikaans commonly known as muishondbos (mongoose bush) and previously P. karrooense, is a branched, soft shrub reaching about 1,5 m in height. The growth habit is erect and spreading. The single-stemmed plants only grow from seed in nature, not resprouting after fire.

The plant may be confusing to identify as there seems to be variation in the depth to which the leaves are lobed, in flower colour and the markings on the upper petals. The plant in picture displays deeply angular lobed leaves. The leaves are coarse or sandpapery and sticky from glandular hairs on the surface, with wavy surfaces and serrated edges.

The species distribution is in the east of the Western Cape and the west of the Eastern Cape, in the east of the Little Karoo from Oudtshoorn to around Willowmore and the Baviaanskloof, as well as coastally from George to near Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth).

The habitat is renosterveld and fynbos, often near dry watercourses and occurring with stands of waboom and sandolien. The habitat population is deemed of least concern early in the twenty first century.

It is a good option for the garden as the muishondbos adapts well to various garden conditions and may flower at any time during the year (Euston-Brown and Kruger, 2023; Vlok and Schutte-Vlok, 2015; Bond and Goldblatt, 1984; iNaturalist; http://redlist.sanbi.org).