Pelargonium gibbosum

Description

Pelargonium gibbosum

Pelargonium gibbosum, commonly known as the Gouty Pelargonium, is a fascinating and unusual species native to the Western Cape of South Africa. This distinctive plant is prized for its unique growth habit and adaptation to arid environments.

The most striking feature of P. gibbosum is its thick, succulent stems, which are swollen at the nodes, giving the plant a knobbly, articulated appearance reminiscent of arthritic joints – hence its common name. These fleshy stems are a pale green colour and serve as water storage organs, allowing the plant to thrive in drought conditions.

The leaves of P. gibbosum are small, rounded, and slightly lobed, emerging from the swollen nodes. In summer, it produces clusters of delicate, pale greenish yellow flowers with a sweet, night-scented fragrance that attracts moth pollinators. This pelargonium’s unique form makes it an excellent choice for rock gardens, succulent displays, or as a conversation piece in container arrangements.