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Description
Pelargonium Rapaceum, also known as the “Cape St Francis pelargonium,” is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. It is native to South Africa, where it grows in rocky outcrops and coastal dunes. The plant can grow up to 1m tall and has a spreading habit. It has succulent stems and leaves that are gray-green in color and covered with fine hairs. The flowers are a bright pink to red color and have five petals. They bloom from spring to the early summer months.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Genus | Pelargonium |
Appearance
Pelargonium Rapaceum has a unique appearance that makes it stand out from other plants. The succulent stems and leaves of the plant are gray-green in color and covered with fine hairs. The leaves are lobed and have a velvety texture.The flowers of the plant are a bright pink to red color and have five petals. They bloom from spring to the early summer months and are held above the foliage on long stems. The flowers are attractive to bees and butterflies.
Care Guide
Pelargonium Rapaceum is a relatively easy plant to care for and is ideal for beginner gardeners. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
Water
The plant prefers well-draining soil and should be watered deeply but infrequently. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot and other issues.
Fertilization
Pelargonium Rapaceum should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season. Use a fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10.
Soil
The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A soil mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite is ideal.
Sunlight
Pelargonium Rapaceum prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade but may not bloom as profusely.
Hardiness Zones
The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. It can be grown as an annual in colder climates.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pelargonium Rapaceum is susceptible to a few pests and diseases. Here are some common ones to watch out for:
Pests
– Aphids: These tiny insects can cause curling and distortion of leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Spider mites: These pests can cause yellowing and stippling of leaves. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.- Mealybugs: These pests can cause white, cottony masses on the plant. They can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Diseases
– Root rot: This disease is caused by overwatering and can cause the plant to wilt and die. To prevent root rot, make sure the plant is not sitting in water and is planted in well-draining soil.- Powdery mildew: This fungal disease can cause a white, powdery coating on the leaves. It can be controlled with a fungicide.
Habitat
Pelargonium Rapaceum is native to South Africa and grows in rocky outcrops and coastal dunes. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Pelargonium Rapaceum toxic to pets?
A: Pelargonium Rapaceum is not toxic to pets.
Q: Can Pelargonium Rapaceum be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Pelargonium Rapaceum can be grown indoors in a sunny location.
Q: How often should Pelargonium Rapaceum be fertilized?
A: Pelargonium Rapaceum should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season.
Q: How often should Pelargonium Rapaceum be watered?
A: Pelargonium Rapaceum should be watered deeply but infrequently. Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Pelargonium Rapaceum:- Pelargonium graveolens (Rose-Scented Geranium)- Pelargonium zonale (Common Geranium)- Pelargonium peltatum (Ivy-Leaved Geranium)
References
– “Pelargonium Rapaceum.” PlantZAfrica, www.plantzafrica.com/plantnop/pelagrap.htm.- “Pelargonium Rapaceum.” World of Flowering Plants, www.worldoffloweringplants.com/pelargonium-rapaceum-cape-st-francis-pelargonium/.
