Rose geranium, Peppermint-scented geranium
Pelargonium graveolens

Family: Geraniaceae

What it is like

A shrubby bush. It grows 1 m high. The leaves have a scent. The leaves are broadly oval with lobes spread out like fingers on a hand. The lower lobes are often lobed again. The flowers are small and pink with dark purple veins. They are opposite the leaves and in groups of 2-7.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows on mountains and in light shade. It can grow in moist locations. It grows among rocks. In Zimbabwe it grows between 1,500-2,300 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Balkans, Bosnia, Canary Is., Central America, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, Haiti, Mexico, Mozambique, Puerto Rico, Romania, South Africa, Southern Africa (country/location of origin), South America, Tasmania, West Indies, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves and flowers are used to give flavour and fragrance to juice, wine, desserts, soups, jellies, sauces, custards and fruit. The flowers are also eaten in salads. Leaves are brewed into a tea.

It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers, leaves - tea

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by cuttings.

Plants are fast growing.

Its other names

Local names

Esencia de rosa, Lemon geranium, Malva

Synonyms

Geranium graveolens (L'Her.) Thunb.; Geranium terebinthinaceum Cav.; Pelargonium terebinthinaceum Small; and others