Pelargonium schlechteri tiered pseudo-umbels

The inflorescence of Pelargonium schlechteri is usually two-tiered, the peduncle proceeding through the lower umbel to a second one a short distance higher up, blooming concurrently.

P. luridum, a related species and sometimes regarded as the same species, does not show the two-tier pseudo-umbels. But the “double-decker” umbels are not unique to the species, some other pelargoniums may present similar pairs, even multiple umbels, when growing conditions allow the exuberance. It is possibly hormone related.

The last buds to open and initially point up in each umbel are mostly positioned above the already open flowers that nod from their kinked pedicels. Some P. luridum pedicels also display the kinks seen here (Pooley, 1998; iNaturalist; https://www.pelargonium.si).