Pelargonium odoratissimum

Pelargonium odoratissimum is a pelargonium species native to South Africa. It is also known as the apple geranium or apple pelargonium due to the distinct apple scent. It is in the subgenus Reniforme along with Pelargonium sidoides and Pelargonium exstipulatum. Pelargonium comes from the Greek; Pelargos which means stork. Another name for pelargoniums is storksbills due the shape of their fruit. Odoratissimum refers to the highly scented leaves. Pelargonium odoratissimum is a small, spreading species which only grows up to 30 cm high and 60 cm wide. It has small pale pink flowers and its leaves are waxy, green and ovate. There are quite a few cultivars and hybrids of Pelargonium odoratissimum. These cultivars and hybrids include: As well as being a houseplant or outdoor perennial depending on climate, Pelargonium odoratissimum has another use. It is used for its astringent, tonic and antiseptic effects. It is used internally for debility, gastroenteritis, and hemorrhage and externally for skin complaints, injuries, and neuralgia and throat infections. The essential oil is used in aromatherapy and has a delicious apple aroma. It is also used to balance the hormonal system, menstrual flow, and clean the body of toxins.