Family:

Geraniaceae

Pelargonium australe

Native Storksbill

Other Names:

First Nations Name(s):

Regional Subspecies:

Occurrence:

Regional:

Predominantly east of Olympic Highway.

Habitat & Site Selection:

Generally rocky outcrops. Prefers dry well-drained soil and full sun. Tolerates drought, frost and moist well-drained soil in semi-shade. 

Habit:

Slightly aromatic, rounded, soft, sprawling or erect perennial herb to 50 cm high. Hairy stems and fleshy taproot. Pink flowers Oct-Mar, and sporadically (often profuse and conspicuous). May die down to rootstock in harsh summers, and re-shoot in autumn. 

Seed Collection:

Late Dec to late Mar. Monitor closely as mature seeds shed quickly.

Propagation:

Readily propagated from seed and cuttings.

VALUES:

First Nations:

Reputedly ate astringent red taproot.

Ornamental:

Useful soil binder for rockeries, groundcover, borders and containers. Prune severely to rejuvenate old plants.