Geranium potentilloides

Geranium potentilloides, belonging to the family Geraniaceae, is a small leafy perennial herb that can grow up to 50cm high and is commonly referred to as Mountain Cranesbill or Soft Cranesbill.[4] This Geranium species is native to the eastern half of Australia as well as New Zealand and Indonesia. G. potentilloides is commonly found in woodlands, grasslands and moist forested areas. In Tasmania, Australia it is also found on eastern and central mountains up to 1000m.

Geranium potentilloides
as G. microphyllum[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Geraniales
Family: Geraniaceae
Genus: Geranium
Species:
G. potentilloides
Binomial name
Geranium potentilloides
Synonyms[2]

Geranium graniticola Carolin
Geranium microphyllum Hook.f.
Geranium philonotum DC.
Geranium pilosum var. potentilloides (L'Hér. ex DC.) Ewart
Geranium potentilloides var. abditum Carolin

Characteristic features of this plant include dark green leaves with a glossy adaxial surface and purple abaxial surface. These leaves are circular with deeply divided lobes. Their basal leaves are deciduous.[5]

The stem of this species can be used as a distinguishing feature as it has reflexed hairs that are pressed towards the stem.[6] The plant also consists of a thick taproot system.

Being an angiosperm, their single flowers that appear in late summer to spring, are pale pink consisting of 5 rounded petals that are terminal on the axillary stem.

This plant is inconspicuous, requires well drained moist soil and can tolerate being shaded. It is also able to form roots at nodes that come in contact with soil.

References
  1. Hooker, J.D. (1844). "Geranium microphyllum Plate V". The botany of the Antarctic voyage of H.M. discovery ships Erebus and Terror in the Years 1839-1843 :under the command of Captain Sir James Clark Ross. 1: 8, Plate V.
  2. "Geranium potentilloides L'Hér. ex DC. | Plants of the World Online | Kew Science". Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 2020-02-20.
  3. Candolle, A.P. de (1824). Candolle, A.P. de (ed.). "Geraniaceae". Prodromus Systematis Naturalis Regni Vegetabilis. 1: 639.
  4. ".: Geranium potentilloides var. potentilloides :". fe.yarraranges.vic.gov.au. Retrieved 2019-12-07.
  5. Whiting, Jenny comp. Roberts, Jill comp. Reeves, Ricky comp. Tayler, Frank comp. Tayler, Verity comp. Jenny Whiting, Jill Roberts, Ricky Reeves, Frank and Verity Tayler, Jenny Whiting, Jill Roberts, Ricky Reeves, Frank and Verity Tayler. Howells, Christine ed. Clark, Alan col. Heather Clark, Heather col. (2012). Tasmania's natural flora. Australian Plants Society Tasmania Inc, Hobart Group. ISBN 978-0-909830-66-3. OCLC 1123906118.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  6. "PlantNET - FloraOnline". plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au. Retrieved 2019-12-07.


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