Umckaloabo

Description

Pelargonium sidoides forms a rosette-like plant with crowded leaves. It is very similar to some forms of P. reniforme, but is easily distinguished by its blackish, rather than pink petals. The long-stalked leaves are mildly aromatic, heart-shaped and velvety. The distinctive dark, reddish-purple (almost black) flowers are present almost throughout the year, but occur mostly from late spring to summer with a peak in midsummer. The plant is an evergreen in cultivation, but it probably dies back in nature during droughts and in winter. The system of thickened underground root-like branches is a special adaptation which enables the plant to survive grass fires which occur almost annually over much of its range. It is used for a variety of folk-medicinal purposes resulting in the colloguial name 'Rabassam'.