5 Pelargonium betulinum - Geranium Seeds - Indigenous Perennial Medicinal Herb Seeds From Africa

Pelargonium betulinum Seeds

Birch-leaf Pelargonium, Dune Pelargonium; Kanferblaar, Maagpynbossie, Suurbos

Pelargonium species are evergreen perennials indigenous to temperate and tropical regions of the world, with many species in southern Africa. They are drought and heat tolerant, but can tolerate only minor frosts. Some species are extremely popular garden plants, grown as bedding plants in temperate regions. Pelargonium betulinum commonly known as Birch-leaf Pelargonium, Dune Pelargonium, Kanferblaar, Maagpynbossie and Suurbos is a South African endemic species from the Western Cape Province where it can be found from Yzerfontein to Knysna. It is synonymously known as Pelargonium georgense. It grows into a 1 meter rounded shrub with coarse leaves which have reddish serrated margins. During spring it bears purple flowers with darker markings. The leaves of Pelargonium betulinum contain essential oils and are used medicinally for coughs and other chest troubles, where fresh leaves are placed in boiled water and the vapour from the steamed leaves is inhaled. The leaves are also known to be used in wound healing ointments. Since it also has the common name maagpynbossie, it would appear that it is also used in some regions to relieve stomach pain.