Pelargonium peltatum

Pelargonium peltatum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Geraniales
Family: Geraniaceae
Genus: Pelargonium
Species:
P. peltatum
Binomial name
Pelargonium peltatum
Synonyms
  • Geranium peltatum, Dibrachia peltata, Geraniospermum peltatum
  • P. lateripes auct. mult., non L'Hér.
  • P. scutellatum, D. scutata, P. peltatum var. scutatum
  • P. peltatum var. zonatum
  • D. clypeata, P. clypeata, P. peltatum var. clypeatum
  • P. peltatum var. glabrum

Pelargonium peltatum is a scrambling perennial plant with five shallow or deeply lobed, circular- to heart-shaped, somewhat fleshy leaves, sometimes with a differently coloured semicircular band, that has been assigned to the cranesbill family. It carries umbel-like inflorescences with 2–10, white to mauve, bilateral symmetrical flowers, each with a "spur" that is merged with the flower stalk. It is known by several common names including ivy-leaved pelargonium and cascading geranium. It is native to the Cape Provinces of South Africa. In its home range, it flowers year round but most vigorously from August to October.