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Common Name: Oak-Leaved Geranium

General Information

Pelargonium quercifolium is an evergreen shrub that can grow up to 1.50 metres tall.
It is harvested from the wild for local use as a medicine and source of materials..

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. Africa.

Habitat

Damp places in the hills of southern Cape Province. Grows in Fynbos on mountain slopes and along the sides of roads[].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	1.50 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

An easily grown plant, it requires a light well-drained neutral to alkaline rather dry soil in a sunny position[, , ].
Plants are not very cold-hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -3°c or perhaps a bit lower[]. They generally require greenhouse protection but might succeed outdoors when grown in a very sheltered warm spot in the mildest parts of the country[]. 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[]. The plants need to be kept fairly dry in the winter[].
The bruised leaves release a warm pungent aroma rather like incense[].
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[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

An aromatic, stimulant herb, it has a resinous scent[]. All parts of the plant are astringent[]. The plant is taken internally in the treatment of rheumatism, hypertension and heart disease[]. The plant can be harvested at any time and is used fresh in infusions[].

Other Uses

An essential oil is obtained from the plant, a ladanum fragrance[]. The essential oil is an effective inhibitor of hydrochloric acid corrosion when coated over steel[].
The dried leaves are added to pot-pourri and to insect-repellent sachets[].

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.