Common Name: Apple Geranium

General Information

Pelargonium odoratissimum is an evergreen perennial plant with stems that become more or less woody and persist, plus a woody rootstock; it can grow about 20cm tall.
The plant is sometimes cultivated in tropical to subtropical areas for the essential oil that is found in its leaves and stems[]. The plant is also grown as an ornamentl.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. Africa - Cape Provinces, KwaZulu-Natal, Northern Provinces, Swaziland

Habitat

Shady places and under trees in forest margins in eastern and southern Cape areas[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.20 m
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Pelargonium odoratissimum is found mainly in the subtropical climate of southern Africa. Plants are not very cold-hardy, tolerating short periods with temperatures down to about -3°c[].
An easily grown plant, succeeding in a well-drained ordinary good soil[, ]. Requires a light well-drained neutral to alkaline soil in a sunny position[, ]. Plants are tolerant of some shade[]. The plants need to be kept fairly dry in the winter[].
Plants generally require greenhouse protection in the temperate zone, though they might succeed outdoors when grown in a very sheltered warm spot in the mildest areas[]. They can also be grown in containers that are placed outdoors in the summer and then brought into the greenhouse or conservatory for the winter[]. When grown in pots, the plants require regular repotting in order to stay vigorous[].
Very tolerant of pruning, they can be cut right down to the base in the autumn when bringing them back indoors, or in the spring to encourage lots of fresh growth[].
The bruised leaves release a smell of ripe apples[]. The plant is cultivated for its essential oil[].

Edible Uses

The leaves are crushed and used to flavour salads, soups, fruit dishes, jellies, sorbets, ice-cream, cakes etc[, ]. Cake pans can be lined with the leaves and the pastry will be infused with their essence[]. The leaves have an apple scent according to one report[] but our plants have a very strong minty smell[].
An infusion of the leaves is used as a tea[].

Medicinal

The whole plant is an aromatic herb with astringent, expectorant, tonic and antiseptic effects[, , ]. It is used internally in the treatment of debility, gastro-enteritis, coughs and haemorrhage[, ]. An infusion of the whole plant and in particular the leaves is used to treat heart and nerve conditions[].
Applied externally, the plant is used to treat skin complaints, injuries, neuralgia and throat infections[].

The essential oil is used in aromatherapy. Its keyword is 'Balancing'[]. It is used in the treatment of burns, sores and shingles[].

Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the plant[, ]. It is used in aromatherapy, cosmetics, perfumery and as an insect repellent[, ].
The growing plant will repel flies, especially if the leaves are touched occasionally to release their scent.
The leaves are dried for use in potpourri and herb pillows[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a greenhouse. Stored seed should be sown in early spring in a greenhouse. The seed germinates best with a minimum temperature of 13°c, germination usually taking place within 2 weeks though it sometimes takes some months[]. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. If trying them outdoors, plant them out in early summer and consider giving them extra protection during the winter.
Cuttings succeed at almost any time in the growing season but early summer is the best time in order for the new plant to become established before winter.