Pelargonium capitatum
Scientific name
Pink-flowered low-growing (30 cm) shrub with highly-frilly, sweet-scented leaves. It grows well in semi-shade and is often found in disturbed areas and is therefore a useful pioneer plant. It flowers from September to October.The seed of pelargoniums is quite interesting in that attached to the elliptically shaped seed, is a feathered, tail-like structure that is coiled in a spiral. The tail allows the seed to drill and secure itself in the soil if twisted around by the wind or affected by the movement of animals. Sow the seed in a light, well-drained potting soil. Broadcast the seeds evenly in the seed tray, covering them with a layer of sand. The depth of sowing is usually one-and-a-half times the size of the seed. Water thoroughly keeping the soil moist but water gently and provide light shade. Germination usually takes place within three weeks. Pelargoniums grown from seed are generally more vigorous than those made of cuttings; however, they take longer to flower.
Cuttings can be grown at any time of the year. Soft, herbaceous stem cuttings should be taken and a rooting hormone applied to it to stimulate the rooting process. Plant the cutting in well drained soil and water lightly without disturbing the soil or the roots will be damaged. Rooting of this species usually takes about three weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted they can then be planted into a pot for a 4 to 8 weeks until they have a number of strong stems and are big enough to be planted out.
Seedbank | Quantity |
---|---|
Arundel Seedbank | 71 |
Tin Capsule Seedbank | 715 |
Total | 786 |
This table below shows how many plants we are trying to obtain for this species.
Site | Area | Quantity |
---|---|---|
Site #62 | Newlands | 7 |
Site #67 | Rondebosch | 25 |
Site #68 | Rondebosch | 50 |
Site #69 | Rondebosch | 200 |
Site #70 | Rondebosch | 25 |
Site #65 | Rondebosch | 20 |
Site #71 | Rondebosch | 25 |
Site #72 | Rondebosch | 25 |
Site #102 | Newlands | 14 |
Site #96 | Bonteheuwel | 14 |
Site #103 | Mowbray | 14 |
Site #95 | Bonteheuwel | 14 |
Site #104 | Athlone | 14 |
Site #105 | Rosebank | 14 |
Site #107 | Mowbray | 0 |
5 other sites | 56 | |
Total | 461 |
Conservation status: Least Concern
This species was selected because it has various important characteristics.
It provides medicinal value
Drought-resistant
Fragrant
Good potplant
Pioneer species
Easy to grow
Suitable for clay soil
Suitable for sandy soil
It provides food for:
Honeybees/flies
Pelargonium capitatum is indigenous to: Cape Flats Sand Fynbos Cape Flats Dune Strandveld Cape Flats Sand Fynbos Peninsula Shale Renosterveld Cape Flats Dune Strandveld