Geranium mexicanum

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Geranium resimum
• Geranium temascaltepecense
• Geranium mexicanum var. minoriflorum
• Geranium mexicanum var. resimum

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Geraniales and the family Geraniaceae, it is classified under the genus Geranium.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to various regions across the diverse landscape of Mexico. Its presence is documented throughout Mexico Central, where it thrives in specific local environments. Furthermore, it can be found extending into the areas of Mexico Northeast and Mexico Gulf. The distribution continues westward, reaching into the territory of Mexico Northwest. Finally, the species is also established within the region of Mexico Southwest.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Geranium mexicanum is characterized by its nature as a perennial plant, meaning it lives for more than two years and undergoes multiple reproductive cycles throughout its existence. Its developmental stages begin with seed germination, leading to the establishment of a robust root system and a spreading growth habit that allows the plant to persist through various seasons. As a perennial, it possesses the capacity to recover from seasonal changes, often re-emerging from its perennial structures to continue its vegetative and reproductive growth. Throughout its life cycle, the plant focuses on accumulating energy to support both continuous foliage development and periodic flowering, ensuring its long-term survival and ability to spread within its ecological niche.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Geranium mexicanum is characterized by its growth form as a herb, reaching an average plant height of approximately 0.5 m. As a non-woody species, it possesses a soft, herbaceous structure and is classified as a self-supporting plant, lacking the climbing tendencies of lianas or vines. This species is strictly terrestrial in its ecological habit, functioning as an independent organism rather than a parasite or an epiphyte.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height mean:

0.5 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Geranium mexicanum is characterized by a robust metabolic framework adapted to varied environmental conditions, focusing on efficient photosynthetic processes and specialized secondary metabolite production. As a non-nitrogen-fixing organism, the plant lacks the symbiotic relationship with diazotrophic bacteria required to convert atmospheric nitrogen into bioavailable forms; therefore, its nitrogen fixation status is "no," necessitating the uptake of nitrates and ammonium directly from the soil through an extensive root system. The plant utilizes a C3 photosynthetic pathway to convert light energy into chemical energy, fueling the synthesis of diverse phytochemicals, including essential oils and phenolic compounds, which serve both protective and medicinal functions. Water regulation is managed through controlled stomatal conductance to balance carbon dioxide assimilation with transpiration rates, while its nutrient assimilation processes are finely tuned to manage the physiological demands of its perennial growth habit.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Geranium mexicanum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Chemicals

Geranium mexicanum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include (-)-Epicatechin, Tiliroside, Flavan-3-ol, kaempferol.

(-)-Epicatechin

1. Planta medica
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Tiliroside

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR
2. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Flavan-3-ol

1. Planta medica

kaempferol

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Geranium mexicanum has 4 reported activities identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antiinflammatory, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antitumor.

Antiinflammatory

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Antimicrobial

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Antioxidant

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Antitumor

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Conditions

Geranium mexicanum has 7 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include amoebiasis, Giardia lamblia, antioxidant, diarrhea, dysentery.

Amoebiasis

1. Planta medica
2. Journal of proteomics

Giardia lamblia

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Antioxidant

1. Phytotherapy research : PTR

Diarrhea

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Dysentery

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Gastrointestinal disorders

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Trichomoniasis

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Geranium mexicanum has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include Crude methanolic extracts, aqueous and methanolic extracts.

Crude methanolic extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Aqueous and methanolic extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology