Pelargonium betulinum leaves

The pale green, here yellow green leaves of Pelargonium betulinum are wavy and leathery with unevenly serrated margins and red tinged tips. Straight veins radiating from the leaf bases are sunken on the upper surfaces, prominent below. The petioles are rigid, about 1 cm in length. Red brown, short and broad stipules grow next to the petiole bases.

The plant's specific name, betulinum, is derived from the Latin name of the European birch tree, betula, referring to the resemblance of this pelargonium's leaves to those of that well-known tree. The kanferblaar name is derived from the camphor scent that the leaves exude when crushed.

This is one of the conspicuous resprouting plants in the first growth season after fire in its environment. Its floral display is less noticed once the slower maturing reseeder species swamp the smaller plants in old veld.

The leaves of this plant were used to make tea (mainly?) in olden times, while steam inhalation using these leaves formed part of chest remedies in the old days (Privett, 2022; Privett and Lutzeyer, 2010; Manning, 2009; Mustart, et al, 1997; Andrew, 2017; iNaturalist; www.plantzafrica.com).