Pelargonium cucullatum Seeds - Wilde malva, Hooded-leaf pelargonium - Indigenous Shrub Seeds

Pelargonium cucullatum, the parent of many modern pelargonium hybrids, is a tough and widespread shrub, growing on the sandy and granite slopes along the Cape coast from Saldanha to Baardskeerdersbos. When in flower the plants are covered with pinkish, purple flowers and are the most conspicuous pelargoniums in the south Western Cape, especially when growing in dense masses.

Pelargonium cucullatum is a fairly tall, sprawling shrub that grows to a height of more than 2 m. The shrub is branched with the bottom of the main stem becoming quite woody. The leaves are more or less round or kidney-shaped and cupped, sometimes succulent. The species name comes from the Latin cucullatus meaning "hood" and refers to the shape of the cupped leaves. When crushed the leaves of some forms emit a strong, sweet scent. The leaves are approximately 5-8 cm wide, turned upward, slightly incised and have reddish tips. Both the stems and leaves are hairy.

The flowers come in many shades, ranging from dark to light mauve and pink. Occasionally white forms are also found. The veins on the flowers are streaked purple and are prominent on all five petals. Pelargonium cucullatum blooms profusely for a month or two, any time from September to February. The flowers are faintly scented. Sunbirds, butterflies, long-beaked flies and moths have all been observed visiting the flowers.

Traditionally this pelargonium was used medicinally to cure colic, kidney ailments, diarrhoea, coughs and fevers. The leaves were used as a poultice for bruises, stings and abscesses. In the nineteenth century it was used as a hedge-row ornamental in Cape Town. It is also useful as a cut flower as the branches last for many weeks in water.

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