Rose-Scented Pelargonium, Kusmalva (Pelargonium capitatum): What does it look like?
  • The pelargoniums (malvas) are closely related to the geraniums. What differences can you see between the shapes of geranium and pelargonium flowers?
  • The Rose-Scented Pelargonium is a small shrub with pink flowers and hairy stems and leaves. The leaves smell like roses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rose-Scented Pelargonium, Kusmalva (Pelargonium capitatum): How do we use it?

 

  • Most pelargoniums have scented leaves. Powdered dried leaves have been used traditionally to make a fragrant body powder.
  • Today the leaves of Rose-Scented Pelargoniums are used to make perfume and pot pourri .
  • Other pelargonium species are used medicinally to treat chest infections, earache, digestive problems and nervous complaints.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Click the links to find out more about indigenous plants used for healing and beauty:
 
Cape May (Coleonema album)
Mountain Buchu (Agathosma betulina)
Carpet Geranium (Geranium incanum)
Rose-Scented Pelargonium (Pelargonium capitatum)
Sour Fig (Carpobrotus edulis)