Nepalese crane’s-bill (Geranium nepalense, Geraniaceae 1: t. 12 (1820))

Family: Geraniaceae

Author: Sweet

Bibliography: Geraniaceae 1: t. 12 (1820)

Year: 1820

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Geranium

Vegetable: False

Observations: E. Afghanistan to Korea and Indo-China, N. Sumatera

Description

The Nepalese crane’s-bill, scientifically known as Geranium nepalense, is a resilient and widespread plant that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. This delightful species first made its debut in botanical literature in the early part of the 19th century, with its initial description documented in “Geraniaceae 1: t. 12 (1820)” by Sweet. Since then, it has attracted the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike for its distinctive characteristics and extensive range.

The natural habitat of Geranium nepalense extends across a broad geographical area, showcasing its versatility and adaptability to different environmental conditions. This hardy plant is found stretching from the rugged terrains of Eastern Afghanistan, traversing through the diverse landscapes of Korea and Indo-China, and reaching the rich forests of Northern Sumatera. Its wide distribution is a testament to its resilience and ecological versatility.

In appearance, the Nepalese crane’s-bill offers modest yet captivating beauty. The plant typically features intricate, lobed leaves and delicate, five-petaled flowers that vary in color, often exhibiting soft shades of pink to lavender. These blooms not only add aesthetic value to the regions they inhabit but also play a role in supporting local ecosystems by attracting pollinators.

The adaptability of Geranium nepalense to various climates and soils makes it an interesting subject of study within horticultural circles. Gardeners and landscape designers value this plant for its ease of cultivation and its ability to thrive in different garden settings, from rock gardens to more formal flower beds. Its low-maintenance nature and attractive foliage make it a popular choice for both amateur and professional horticulturists.

In conclusion, Geranium nepalense, or the Nepalese crane’s-bill, stands out as a fascinating species within the Geraniaceae family. Its extensive distribution from Eastern Afghanistan to Korea and Indo-China, reaching as far south as Northern Sumatera, along with its charming appearance and adaptability, make it a notable plant worthy of attention and admiration in both natural habitats and cultivated gardens.

Common Names

Eng: nepalese crane’s-bill
En: Nepalese crane’s-bill
Fi: Nepalinkurjenpolvi
Pt-br: Gerânio-nepalês

Synonyms

• Geranium pallidum (Royle ex Edgew. & Hook.f.)
• Geranium nepalense var. glabratum (H.Hara)
• Geranium oliganthum (C.C.Huang)
• Geranium radicans (DC.)
• Geranium lavergneanum var. cinerascens (H.Lév.)
• Geranium quinquenerve (Buch.-Ham. ex D.Don)
• Geranium nepalense var. pallidum (Nakai)
• Geranium fangii (R.Knuth)
• Geranium nepalense f. albiflorum ((I.C.Chung) W.Lee)
• Geranium nepalense var. oliganthum ((C.C.Huang) C.C.Huang & L.R.Xu)
• Geranium mexicanum (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.)
• Geranium thunbergii var. albiflorum (I.C.Chung)
• Geranium patens (Royle ex Edgew. & Hook.f.)
• Geranium jinchuanense (Z.M.Tan)
• Geranium lavergneanum (H.Lév.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Assam (native)
• China North-Central (native)
• China South-Central (native)
• China Southeast (native)
• East Himalaya (native)
• India (native)
• Korea (native)
• Kuril Is. (native)
• Laos (native)
• Myanmar (native)
• Nepal (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Qinghai (native)
• Sri Lanka (native)
• Sumatera (native)
• Thailand (native)
• Tibet (native)
• Vietnam (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Illinois (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Aug 21, 2014 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 21, 2014 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 21, 2014 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 21, 2014 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 21, 2014 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Other

Taken Aug 20, 2017 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

Taken Aug 20, 2017 by Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh – Anonymous (cc-by-nc)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:373372-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2890266)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Geranium nepalense Sweet)

Specifications

Growth