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Description
Pelargonium Sidoides, also known as Umckaloabo, is a flowering plant native to South Africa that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. This plant has been used for centuries in traditional medicine due to its powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. The roots of Pelargonium Sidoides are used to make herbal remedies that are commonly used to treat respiratory infections such as bronchitis, sinusitis, and the common cold.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Geraniales |
| Family | Geraniaceae |
| Genus | Pelargonium |
Appearance
Pelargonium Sidoides is a perennial plant that can grow up to 30 cm in height. It has a woody stem that is covered with small hairs and heart-shaped leaves that are dark green in color. The flowers of Pelargonium Sidoides are small and pinkish-purple in color, and they bloom in clusters from late winter to early spring.
Care Guide
To take care of Pelargonium Sidoides, it is important to provide it with well-draining soil, plenty of sunlight, and regular watering. This plant prefers to be grown in areas with mild temperatures and is hardy in USDA zones 9-11. Fertilization is not necessary, but can be done once or twice a year with a balanced fertilizer. Overwatering and exposure to cold temperatures can cause root rot and damage to the plant.
Common Pests & Diseases
Pelargonium Sidoides is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if overwatered or exposed to cold temperatures. Additionally, spider mites and aphids may occasionally infest the plant, which can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Habitat
Pelargonium Sidoides is native to the Eastern Cape region of South Africa, where it grows in rocky areas and along stream banks. It prefers well-draining soils and is adapted to hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Pelargonium Sidoides be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Pelargonium Sidoides can be grown indoors as long as it is provided with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
Q: How often should Pelargonium Sidoides be watered?
A: Pelargonium Sidoides should be watered whenever the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can cause root rot.
Q: Is Pelargonium Sidoides toxic to pets?
A: There is no evidence that Pelargonium Sidoides is toxic to pets, but it is always best to keep plants out of reach of pets to avoid accidental ingestion.
Q: Can Pelargonium Sidoides be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Pelargonium Sidoides can be propagated from stem cuttings taken in the spring or summer.
Related Plants
- Pelargonium graveolens
- Pelargonium zonale
- Pelargonium peltatum
References
- “Pelargonium sidoides.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed October 29, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=278188&isprofile=1&basic=pelargonium%20sidoides.
- “Pelargonium sidoides.” Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Accessed October 29, 2021. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60424633-2.
- “Pelargonium sidoides.” Plants of the World Online. Accessed October 29, 2021. https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:60424633-2.
