Geraniaceae

Geranium pratense flowerdiagram

Geranium rotundifolium Herbar

Erodium botrys frs 2005-03-15

Geranium-pratense-070706-800-1

Geraniaceae

Geraniaceae is a family of flowering plants known commonly as the geranium family. It is a diverse group that includes approximately 830 species distributed across several genera, with Geranium (the cranesbills) and Pelargonium being two of the most well-known. Members of this family are found worldwide, thriving in a variety of habitats from temperate regions to tropical mountains.

Description

Plants in the Geraniaceae family are mostly herbaceous, with some shrubs and small trees. They are characterized by their opposite or alternate, often palmately lobed or divided leaves. The flowers are typically actinomorphic (radially symmetrical) or slightly zygomorphic (bilaterally symmetrical), with five petals that can be free or slightly fused at the base. The color of the flowers varies widely among the species, including shades of pink, blue, purple, and white. The fruit is usually a schizocarp, which splits into smaller, one-seeded segments called mericarps, often equipped with a mechanism for seed dispersal by wind or animals.

Taxonomy

The Geraniaceae family is part of the order Geraniales. The family is divided into several genera, with Geranium and Pelargonium being the most prominent. The distinction between these two genera is a common source of confusion, partly because plants of the genus Pelargonium are often commercially sold as "geraniums."

Genera

Some of the notable genera within the Geraniaceae family include:

• Geranium – True geraniums or cranesbills, known for their five-petaled flowers and distinctive seedpods.
• Pelargonium – Often called geraniums in the horticultural trade, these plants are popular as ornamental garden plants and houseplants.
• Erodium – Known as storksbills, these plants are similar in appearance to the cranesbills but are generally smaller with distinct seedpod mechanisms.

Distribution and Habitat

Geraniaceae species are distributed globally from temperate to tropical regions. They are adaptable to a wide range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, mountains, and deserts. Some species are cultivated for their ornamental value, while others are used in traditional medicine.

Uses

Many species within the Geraniaceae family are cultivated for their attractive flowers and foliage. Pelargonium species, in particular, are popular in gardens and as houseplants for their diverse and colorful flowers. Some geraniums are also used in perfumery and aromatherapy, notably Pelargonium graveolens, whose leaves are distilled to produce geranium oil. Additionally, various species have been used in traditional medicine practices around the world for their purported health benefits.

Conservation

While many species within the Geraniaceae family are common and widely cultivated, others are rare and face threats from habitat loss and overcollection. Conservation efforts are in place for some of the more vulnerable species, focusing on habitat protection and sustainable collection practices.