Namaqualand beauty
Pelargonium incrassatum

Family: Geraniaceae

What it is like

A small shrub which keeps growing from year to year. It grows 30 cm high. It forms tubers and is dormant in the summer or dry season. The tuber is turnip shaped. The leaves at the base are in rings and have long stems. They have silver hairs. The leaves are 5 cm long and have leaflets along the stalk. The stems can have 10-20 or more flowers. These are deep pink. They are 18 mm across. The lower petals are much reduced.

There are about 230 Pelargonium species.

Where it is found

It is a Mediterranean plant. It can grow in hot arid places with a marked dry season. The dry season can be 6-11 months. It grows in stony soil. It grows between 650-1,500 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa

How it is used for food

The peeled tubers are eaten raw, cooked in milk or baked in hot ashes. They are a staple food.

They are an important seasonal food.

Edible parts

Tubers, roots

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

'nytjie

Synonyms

Pelargonium centauroides DC.; Pelargonium condensatum Pers.; Pelargonium roseum (Andrews) Aiton;