Pelargonium cucullatum

Family / Families: Geraniaceae
Scientific Name(s): Pelargonium cucullatum (L.) L'Hér.
Institution(s): Bergius Botanic Garden
Location(s): Stockholm, Sweden
Entry Author(s): Daniel Mosquin
Copyright Holder(s): Mats Ellting@Flickr
Image Permissions: Please contact the copyright holder for permission to use.
Photographer(s) Appreciation: Another nod of gratitude to Mats Ellting@Flickr for sharing one of his photographs, Pelargonium cucullatum, via the Botany Photo of the Day Flickr Pool.
Tags: Bergius Botanic Garden, Geraniaceae, Geraniales, via Flickr

The flowers and foliage of Pelargonium cucullatum

Hooded-leaf pelargonium or cowl storksbill is native to the southwestern part of South Africa’s Cape Province. Another common name for this species is tree pelargonium, despite the fact that its maximum height is about 2m (6 ft.). Still, tall for a pelargonium.

The Fernkloof Nature Reserve calls it the “most conspicuous pelargonium of the southwestern Cape“. Here is a photograph in habitat. It is little wonder that it is becoming increasingly common in cultivation in South African gardens as a spring-blooming shrub.

The genes of Pelargonium cucullatum have been in ornamental cultivation for centuries, as it is one of the parent species in the hybrid grouping known as regal pelargoniums (or, to those in the USA, Martha Washington or Lady Washington pelargoniums). In climates colder than the southwestern Cape, this grouping of pelargoniums is grown indoors as a potted plant (for at least part of the year).

Nature / art resource link: visit the site of Emily Damstra to enjoy some exceptional nature illustrations (e.g., Plants, Lichens, and Fungi).