245B-2-Geranium-homeanum-fl-fr-Marilyn-Gray.jpg

Geranium homeanum

Rainforest Crane's-bill

Prostrate scrambling perennial herb. Few recurved hairs & thick, branched taproot.

Additional information

  • FamilyGeraniaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • SizeStems to 1 m long
  • Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
  • LeavesKidney shaped to 5-sided leaves 1-4.5 cm long, deeply divided into 5-7 broad, sometimes toothed lobes again divided, 3 final lobes end in fine point. May be few curved hairs.
  • Flower colourBright pink, becoming white towards centre
  • Flowering timeOctober to March
  • FlowersSingle or paired flowers, 7-8 mm wide, on primary stalks 1-28 mm long, anthers off white. Sepals broad with translucent margin. Beaked fruit 12-14 mm long.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsMoist soil in high rainfall areas in forests, rainforest margins, creek banks and wet gullies. Full sun to full shade.
  • Garden useCan be floriferous with flowers occurring over a long period. Excellent groundcover in lightly treed gardens.
  • Commercially availableIndigenous nursery
  • Conservation statusLocally common within its preferred growing conditions
  • Aboriginal Use Food - taproot roasted
  • Related speciesSpecial features - branched taproot, small flowers, broad sepals with translucent margins, purplish to bluish line on anthers.
Photographer/s: Marilyn Bull ©

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  • 12 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Dandenongs (EVC 18)
  • 13 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Upper Yarra (EVC 18)
  • 11 Manna Gum Riparian Forest - Central Highlands (EVC 18)
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  • 41 Swamp Paperbark Riparian Thicket (EVC 59)
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