Nepalese Crane's Bill
Geranium nepalense
Family: Geraniaceae
What it is like
Geranium nepalense is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 7. It is in flower from July to August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 1
Where it is found
Semi-shaded scrubby slopes and in forests, 1500 - 2300 metres in the Himalayas.
E. Asia - China to the Himalayas.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves. No further details are given. Fruits - chewed fresh. The fruit is a small dry capsule.
Medicine
Rating: 2
The whole plant is antibacterial and astringent. It is prescribed in the treatment of nervous diseases, numbness of the limbs, pains, rheumatism, renal diseases etc. The juice of the plant is valued in treating renal diseases.
Antibacterial: Kills bacteria.
Astringent: Produces contraction in living tissue, reducing the flow of secretions and discharges of blood, mucus, diarrhoea etc.
Other
Rating: 1
A red dye is obtained from the root, it is similar to Rubia cordifolia. The root contains 25 - 32% tannins.
Dye: Plants that provide dyes.
Tannin: An astringent substance obtaied from plants, it is used medicinally, as a dye and mordant, stabilizer in pesticide etc.
How it is grown
Succeeds in any moderately fertile retentive soil in a sunny position. Tolerates a wide range of soil types. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits.
Propagating it: Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.
Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 6-9
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Moist