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Pelargonium graveolens

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Plantae

(unranked): Angiosperms(unranked): Eudicots

(unranked): Rosids

Order: Geraniales

Family: Geraniaceae

Genus: Pelargonium

Species: P. graveolens

Binomial name

Pelargonium graveolens

L'Hr. [1]

Pelargonium graveolensFrom Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The true Pelargonium graveolens is an uncommon species in thePelargonium genus, which is native to South Africa, Zimbabwe and Mozambique, while the plants cultivated under this name (spelled P.'Graveolens') differ from the wild specimens and are of hybrid origin [1] (a

probable cross between Pelargonium graveolens , P. capitatum and /or P. radens , or other closely related species). Often called a geranium,as it falls within the plant family Geraniaceae, and was previouslycategorised under the same genus. The common P. 'Graveolens' or P.'Rosat' has great importance in the perfume industry. It is cultivated on alarge scale and its foliage is distilled for its scent. P. 'Graveolens' cultivarshave a wide variety of smells, including rose, citrus, mint, coconut and nutmeg, as well as various fruits. However, the most commerciallyimportant varieties are those with rose scents.

Contents

1 Nomenclature and taxonomy1.1 Synonym

2 Uses3 Variety4 Chemical consituents of geranium oil5 Gallery

6 See also7 References

Nomenclature and taxonomy

Synonym

Common names include rose geranium, [1][2][3] old fashion rose geranium, [2] and rose-scent geranium. [1]

Pelargonium graveolens is also known by taxonomic synonyms " Geranium terebinthinaceum Cav." and Pelargonium terebinthinaceum (Cav.) Desf." [1] "Rose geranium" is sometimes used to refer to " Pelargoniumincrassatum (Andrews) Sims" or its synonym " Pelargonium roseum - the herbal name- (Andrews) DC." [4]

Commercial vendors often list the source of geranium or rose geranium essential oil as Pelargonium graveolensregardless of its botanical name.

Uses

Pelargonium distillates and absolutes, commonly known as "geranium oil", are sold for aromatherapy and massage

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Geranium (Pelargonium 'Graveolens')essential oil in a clear glass vial

therapy applications. They are also sometimes used to supplement or adulterate more expensive rose oils.

As a flavoring, the flowers and leaves are used in cakes, jams, jellies, ice creams, sorbets, salads, sugars, [5] and teas.

Variety

A variety that matches this name is Lady Plymouth geranium.

Chemical consituents of geranium oil

A modern analysis listed the presence of over 50 organic compounds inthe essential oil of P. graveolens from an Australian source. [6] Analysesof Indian geranium oils indicated a similar phytochemical profile, and showed that the major constituents (in terms of % composition) werecitronellol + nerol and geraniol. [7][8]

Gallery

The cluster of cultivated P. 'Graveolens'

A bee on a cluster of cultivated P.'Graveolens'

See also

Essential oilPelargonium

References

1. ^ a b c d e USDA ARS NPGS. "Pelargonium graveolens information from NPGS/GRIN" (http://www.ars-grin.gov/cgi-bin/npgs/html/taxon.pl?317549). United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Agricultural

Research Service (ARS), National Plant Germplasm System (NPGS). Accessed June 23, 2007.

2. ^ a b "Pelargonium graveolens" (http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Pelargonium+graveolens). Plants For A Future. Accessed June 23, 2007.

3. ^ USDA NCRS. "PLANTS Profile for Pelargonium graveolens (sweet scented geranium)"

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