Family:
Geraniaceae
Geranium solanderi
Austral Cranesbill
Other Names: Native Geranium, Cut-leaf Cranesbill.
Regional Subspecies:
Geranium solanderi var. solanderi
Occurrence:
Regional:
Noted in most areas throughout region.
Habitat & Site Selection:
Woodland and grassland. More prevalent in stock-free areas.
Habit:
Perennial prostrate or ascending herb to 50 cm high. Turnip-like taproot, and pink flowers throughout year but mainly Aug-Dec. Sometimes roots at nodes. Old leaves orange-red.
Seed Collection:
Late Dec to mid Feb. Monitor closely as seeds shed immediately or 1-2 days after mature.
Propagation:
From seed, which germinate readily. Enhance germination by treating seeds with hot water at 60°C for 30 minutes.
VALUES:
Land Protection:
Plant where space to fully develop and regenerate. May become a problem in permanently moist soil.
First Nations:
Starch-rich tuberous roots roasted and eaten.
Other:
Probably grazed by stock.