Pelargonium
Angel eyes
Pelargonium, commonly known as geranium, is a versatile genus of flowering plants celebrated for both ornamental beauty and therapeutic properties. Renowned for their aromatic foliage, many species are utilized in traditional medicine to support skin health, reduce inflammation, and promote emotional well-being through their calming, essential oil-rich leaves.
- Scientific name: Pelargonium
- Family: Geraniaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. Classified under the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Geraniales, it is a member of the Geraniaceae family. Specifically, it is identified by the genus Pelargonium.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Geraniales | WCVP |
| Family | Geraniaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Pelargonium | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Pelargonium, is widely recognized by various regional names across different linguistic contexts. In Simplified Chinese, it is referred to as 天竺葵属 (zh-hans) and 天竺葵属 (zh-cn), while in Singapore, the same designation 天竺葵属 (zh-sg) is used. In Traditional Chinese contexts, it is identified as 天竺葵屬 (zh-hant), and in Hong Kong, it is commonly known as 天竺葵屬 (zh-hk).| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| zh-hans | 天竺葵属 | Wikidata |
| zh-hant | 天竺葵屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-hk | 天竺葵屬 | Wikidata |
| zh-cn | 天竺葵属 | Wikidata |
| zh-sg | 天竺葵属 | Wikidata |
| zh-tw | 天竺葵屬 | Wikidata |
| pl | Pelargonia | Wikidata |
| he | פלרגוניום | Wikidata |
| be | Пеларгонія | Wikidata |
| bar | Brennete Liab | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a diverse geographical presence across several distinct regions of the European continent. In Northern Europe, its range extends to include both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving toward Middle Europe, the species can be found growing within the borders of Belgium. The distribution also reaches into Southwestern Europe, specifically covering the island of Corse. Finally, its habitat is further documented within the country of Spain.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Spain | WCVP |
| Southeastern Europe | Sicilia | WCVP |
| Northern Africa | Morocco | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Canary Is. | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Cape Verde | WCVP |
| Macaronesia | Madeira | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as geranium, is highly valued in aromatherapy and traditional medicine primarily for its essential oil. This oil is most frequently extracted from the fragrant leaves and stems through a process of steam distillation, capturing the complex aromatic compounds that provide its therapeutic benefits. While the entire plant structure contributes to its biological functions, it is this concentrated oil that serves as the primary medicinal component used to promote relaxation and skin health.- Total parts
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| oil | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Pelargonium has 5 reported activities identified across 5 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Hepatotoxic, Hypotensive.
- Total activities
- 5
- Scientific sources
- 5
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Antibacterial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antimicrobial | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hepatotoxic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Hypotensive | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Pelargonium has 4 reported medicinal uses identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include atherosclerosis, diarrhea, hypertension, ischemic heart disease.
- Total uses
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| atherosclerosis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| diarrhea | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ischemic heart disease | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |