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Geranium solanderi

Austral Crane's-bill

Trailing or scrambling perennial herb with rounded to turnip-shaped taproot. Short & long spreading and recurved hairs on stems.

Additional information

  • FamilyGeraniaceae
  • StoreyLower storey
  • Sizestems to 50 cm long
  • Plant groupingHerbs & Groundcovers <1m
  • LeavesKidney-shaped to round leaves to 6 cm long, deeply divided into 5-7 lobes, forked 2-3 times or more; tips rounded; stem leaves narrow-lobed. Hairs on upper surface few to none, scattered, curved; few long, spreading hairs below.
  • Flower colourBright pink
  • Flowering timeOctober to January
  • FlowersSingle or paired flowers to 12 mm wide, petals slightly notched, on primary stalks 7-25 mm long, anthers lemon to pink with dark purple lines. Sepals egg-shaped to oblong with tiny tip and scattered long spreading hairs. Beaked fruit 15 mm.
  • Bird attractingNo
  • Butterfly attractingNo
  • Frog habitatNo
  • Growing conditionsSeepage areas in moist to dryish grassy woodlands. Partial shade.
  • Garden useA bright hardy rockery plant where there is some moisture.
  • Commercially availableDue to the revision it is uncertain that plants so marked are correct.
  • Conservation statusSignificant within the Shire. Known from few local sites and generally confused with more common species..
  • Aboriginal Use Food - taproot roasted
  • Related speciesThis species is rare within the Shire and is listed as a Victorian Rare or Threatened Species. With the revision, several species have been separated out from G. solanderi. Other species may also occur within the Shire.
Photographer/s: 1, 3 Russell Best, NatureShare ©; 2 Marilyn Bull ©

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