Round-leaf crane’s-bill (Geranium rotundifolium, Sp. Pl.: 683 (1753))

Family: Geraniaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 683 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Geranium

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Europe to Himalaya, N. Africa

Description

The Round-leaf crane’s-bill, scientifically known as Geranium rotundifolium, is an intriguing and widespread plant species celebrated for its distinctive appearance and adaptability. Initially documented by Carl Linnaeus in the seminal work “Species Plantarum” in 1753, this member of the Geraniaceae family has captured the interest of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Characterized by its rounded, lobed leaves and delicate, pink to purple flowers, the Round-leaf crane’s-bill thrives in various climates and regions. Its natural habitat stretches from the exotic landscapes of Macaronesia and across temperate parts of Europe, extending as far as the Himalayas and parts of Northern Africa. This extensive geographical distribution underscores the plant’s versatility and resilience.

The Round-leaf crane’s-bill typically flourishes in well-drained soils and is commonly found in grasslands, rocky slopes, and open woodlands. Its preference for diverse habitats makes it a familiar sight in both natural and cultivated settings. The plant’s understated beauty and hearty nature contribute to its popularity in horticulture, where it is often employed as a ground cover or in informal garden settings to provide aesthetic appeal and ecological benefits.

Beyond its ornamental value, Geranium rotundifolium plays a significant role in local ecosystems, offering nectar and pollen for various insect species, including bees and butterflies. This interaction not only supports local biodiversity but also facilitates pollination processes vital to the health of many plants in its surrounding environment.

In summary, the Round-leaf crane’s-bill is a remarkable species that combines aesthetic charm with ecological importance. From its rounded leaves and charming flowers to its widespread adaptability, Geranium rotundifolium exemplifies the remarkable diversity and resilience of the plant kingdom.

Common Names

Eng: roundleaf geranium, round-leaf crane’s-bill, round-leaved crane’s-bill
Dan: rundbladet storkenæb
Deu: rundblättriger storchschnabel
Lav: apaļlapu gandrene
Fra: géranium à feuilles rondes
Ces: kakost okrouhlolistý
Swe: klibbnäva
Nld: ronde ooievaarsbek
Est: ümaralehine kurereha
Cym: pig yr aran crynddail, pig-yr-aran grynddail
En: Round-leaf crane’s-bill, Roundleaf geranium, Round-leaved Crane’s-bill, Round-leaved Geranium
Ar: غرنوقي دائري الأوراق
Be: Герань круглалістая
Bg: Кръглолистен здравец
Ca: Suassana rotundifòlia
Zh: 圆叶老鹳草
Cs: Kakost okrouhlolistý
Da: Rundbladet storkenæb
Nl: Ronde ooievaarsbek, Rondbladige Ooievaarsbek
Eo: Rondfolia geranio
Et: Ümaralehine kurereha
Fi: Pyörökurjenpolvi
Fr: Géranium à feuilles rondes, Mauvette, Mauvin
De: Rundblättriger Storchschnabel
He: גרניון עגול
It: Geranio malvaccino
Lv: Apaļlapu gandrene
Sk: Pakost okrúhlolistý
Sv: Klibbnäva
Zh-tw: 圓葉老鸛草
Zh-hant: 圓葉老鸛草
Uk: Герань круглолиста
Cy: Pig-yr-aran grynddail, Pig yr Aran Crynddail

Synonyms

• Geranium malvaceum (Wahlenb.)
• Geranium rotundifolium f. thurstonii (Druce)
• Geranium pusillum var. malvifolium (Scop. ex Nyman)
• Geranium rotundifolium var. malvifolium (Scop. ex Mutel)
• Geranium rotundifolium var. elongatum (Sennen)
• Geranium rotundifolium var. barcinonense (Sennen)
• Geranium rotundifolium var. arenicolum (Sennen)
• Geranium subrotundum (Ehrh. ex Hoffm.)
• Geranium propinquum (Salisb.)
• Geranium potentilloides (Klotzsch)
• Geranium semiorbiculare (Merrem)
• Geranium rotundifolium var. albiflorum (Rouy & Foucaud)
• Geranium rotundifolium var. grandiflorum (Wahlenb.)
• Geranium core (Kostel.)
• Geranium rotundifolium trichospermum (Sanio & Borbás)
• Geranium rotundifolium var. palmatipartitis (Ball)
• Geranium strictum (Picard)
• Geranium viscidulum (Fr.)

Distribution

• Afghanistan (native)
• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Austria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Baltic States (native)
• Belarus (native)
• Belgium (native)
• Bulgaria (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Czechoslovakia (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Germany (native)
• Great Britain (native)
• Greece (native)
• Hungary (native)
• India (native)
• Iran (native)
• Iraq (native)
• Ireland (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kazakhstan (native)
• Kirgizstan (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Krym (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Northwest European R (native)
• Oman (native)
• Pakistan (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Romania (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Spain (native)
• Sweden (native)
• Switzerland (native)
• Tadzhikistan (native)
• Transcaucasus (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Turkmenistan (native)
• Ukraine (native)
• Uzbekistan (native)
• West Himalaya (native)
• Xinjiang (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Cape Verde (introduced)
• Colorado (introduced)
• Dominican Republic (introduced)
• Haiti (introduced)
• Kansas (introduced)
• Maryland (introduced)
• Michigan (introduced)
• New Jersey (introduced)
• New York (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Primorye (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Uruguay (introduced)

Additional Images

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

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

Leaf

Taken Apr 8, 2019 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Nov 30, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2021 by Alain Bigou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 20, 2018 by Nohé Flore (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 24, 2019 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Jan 5, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 8, 2019 by Renaud Brochiero (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 23, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 30, 2022 by Fabrice Rubio (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 29, 2020 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 12, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 21, 2022 by Marie-Claude Darnajou (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 26, 2021 by Quinten Stevens (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 27, 2018 by Llandrich anna (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Oct 28, 2019 by Vincent GERARD (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2022 by Caw Vus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 25, 2021 by emilie lovisi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Yves PENIT (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2021 by Sylvain Piry (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:373602-1)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2891031)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Geranium rotundifolium L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 5

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]

Soil nutriments: 6