Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: malva, sorrel-leaved pelargonium

Family: Geraniaceae (Geranium)

Distribution: Eastern Cape

Habitat: Stony hillsides and dry grassland

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

National red list: Least Concern

Life form: Shrub / sub-shrub

Comments: This bushy shrublet has attractive flowers which vary in colour from salmon-pink to almost white. A characteristic feature of the species is the red and coarsely serrated leaf margins. Young leaves and buds can be added to salads, soups and stews for an added acidic, lemony taste. The species name acetosus (Latin), meaning sour, refers to the acid taste of the leaves. The common name sorrel-leaved pelargonium refers to the leaves' resemblance to that of the herbal plant, sorrel or rumex acetosa. P. acetosum was first cultivated in the Chelsea garden in England in 1724.