Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden, South Africa

Common name: kusmalva, roosmalva, rose-scented pelargonium

Family: Geraniaceae (Geranium)

Distribution: South Africa

IUCN Red list: Not evaluated

National red list: Least Concern

Comments: The rose-scented pelargonium is cultivated for its oil of geranium. The sweetly scented leaves are a wonderful skin softener. The leaves can be rubbed into the hands to soothe calluses and scratches, into heels to soften dry, cracked skin and can be tied to a piece of muslin and used in the bath as a skin and wash treatment which also soothes rashes.