Austral Stalk’s Bill, Austral Storksbill, Native Storksbill, Native Pelargonium, Southern storksbill
Pelargonium australe
Family: Geraniaceae
What it is like
A sprawling or slightly upright herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It can be 70 cm high. It can spread 30-60 cm wide. The stems are downy. The taproot is 5 cm long. The leaves are oval or almost round. They are on long stalks. The leaves are 2-9 cm across. with shallow lobes and wavy edges which are also toothed. The leaves are soft and velvety. The leaves often turn orange-red. The flowers are pale pink in groups of 4-12. Each flower is about 1.5 cm across. The two larger upper petals have red veins. The fruit has a beak. The fruit is 12 mm long.
There are about 230 Pelargonium species.
Where it is found
It grows in temperate places. It grows in coastal regions, mountains and further inland. It grows on rocky outcrops in grasslands and dry forests. It needs good drainage. It suits hardiness zones 9-10. Tasmania Herbarium. Arboretum Tasmania.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia (country/location of origin), Britain, Europe, Norfolk Island, Tasmania (country/location of origin)
How it is used for food
The taproot is cooked and eaten.
Edible parts
Root
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from seed or cuttings. Plants self seed easily. Cuttings are easy to grow.
Its other names
Local names
Terray