Pelargonium sidoides seed Umkcaloabo

LATIN NAME: PELARGONIUM SIDOIDES

COMMON NAME: Umckaloabo

The umckaloabo velvets the low, clumping perennial with the rounded, heart-shaped, softly hairy, grey-green leaves and the tall, slender stems carrying the small, dark, wine-red to almost-black flowers that open through the late spring and the summer, the whole plant carrying the quiet, velvety charm. The leaves give off the soft, herbaceous scent when brushed, and the plant keeps the neat, mounded form. It stands the heat and the dry spells well. It likes the sun, and the light, well-drained soil.

Scientific Research & Plant Biotechnology

In the geranium family, the South African pelargoniums have a recognised place in the studies of the medicinal plants, and the sidoides species appears in the research on the root chemistry and the dry-summer growth. The pharmacologists value the root preparations, while the horticulturists note the neat, velvety form with the dark flowers. The seed biology fills out the picture, and the growers of the warm-climate medicinal perennials keep the species in their catalogues.

Ecological & Economic Value & Wide Applications

In the dry, sunny garden, the umckaloabo velvets the border with the dark flowers. The roots have served the traditional preparations for the ages, the soft, grey-green mounds give the quiet contrast, and the plant stands the heat and the dry spells well. It grows in the light, well-drained, sunny ground. Neat, velvety and drought-tough.

To grow the Umckaloabo from seed,

Scatter the seeds over the fine, gritty surface of the pot, then press them in gently, keep the pot in the warm, bright spot and mist lightly

Keep the pot warm and gently misted, and give the young plants the full sun. The dark flowers come within the season.

. The seedlings show themselves within a couple of weeks, and they grow on steadily. Settle the young plants in the sunny, light ground, and the dark flowers will velvet the late spring over the years.

Latin Name Pelargonium Sidoides Origin India, China Odour Characteristic odour resembling rose and geraniol. Production Method Steam Distillation Source Leaves Appearance Clear to light yellow About Balancing oil for the mind and body. It relaxes, restores and maintains stability of the emotions. Warming, refreshing, Balancing and lifting emotions. Application A great oil for the time of menopause and menstruation. Used in skin care products for both its fragrance (amber and oriental type) and cleansing properties. Useful insect repellent. For massage where there is cellulite and treating eczema and psoriasis. Mixed with Lavender and Bergamot produces a delightful room freshener, Moisturizing, Toning. Blends well with lavender, patchouli, clove, rose, orange, sandalwood, jasmine, juniperberry, bergamot and other citrus oils. Precaution non-toxic, non-irritant, generally non-sensitizing.