Taxon

Pelargonium triste

Pelargonium triste - kaneeltjie, pypkaneel, rooiwortel, night-scented pelargonium, Wit n/eitjie
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Common name: kaneeltjie, pypkaneel, rooiwortel, night-scented pelargonium, Wit n/eitjie
Family: Geraniaceae (Geranium)
Distribution: Northern Cape, Western Cape
Habitat: Sandy flats and slopes
IUCN Red list: Not evaluated
National red list: Least Concern
Life form: Geophyte (bulb, corm or tuber - seasonally dormant)
Comments: This geophytic species has characteristically large tubers and woody roots. It has pale yellow flowers that release a strong clove fragrance at night. This suggests that it could be pollinated by long-tongued pollinators such as moths which are active during the night. The plants survive the dry season by going dormant. Fresh leaves emerge from the tubers when it rains again. It has tannin-rich tubers which are used in Namaqualand for tanning leather a reddish brown colour. Infusions from the tubers are used in traditional medicine for treating dysentery and diarrhoea.
Links: iNaturalist.org • Red List of South African Plants • SANBI PlantZAfrica • The Pelargonium Page

Locations

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