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.