ivy geranium
Pelargonium peltatum
Its 'peltate' leaves have the stem attached to the middle of the leaf blade like a tiny shield, an adaptation that helps it shed heavy coastal winds.
- Scientific name
- Pelargonium peltatum
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Geraniales › Geraniaceae › Pelargonium
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- stable
- Biome
- grassland
- Habitat
- Coastal cliffs, dry rocky slopes, fynbos shrublands, and cultivated urban gardens.
- Diet
- Autotrophic (utilizes sunlight, water, carbon dioxide, and soil minerals via photosynthesis).
- Range
- South Africa, Mediterranean Basin, United States, Australia
- Size
- Trailing stems up to 2 meters (6.5 feet) long; leaves 2 to 8 centimeters wide.
- Lifespan
- 5 to 10 years
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- In its native South African range, coastal urban development and invasive species pose minor localized threats.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless to humans, though the sap may cause mild skin irritation in sensitive individuals. Safe to touch and admire closely. Note that it is toxic to dogs and cats if ingested. If skin irritation occurs, wash the area with mild soap and water.
Pelargonium peltatum is a species of pelargonium known by the common names ivy-leaf geranium and cascading geranium . It is native to southern Africa, particularly South Africa. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant. This is a smaller shrub which can reach 2 m (6 ft 7 in) in height, and its branches can be low-lying, spreading, trailing, or climbing. The thin, somewhat succulent, or fleshy leaves are rounded, and the leaf stalks are attached at the middle of...
Photo: Nicola van Berkel, CC-BY-SA, via iNaturalist
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