Straggling, shrubby perennial, herb, 0.1-1 m high. Fl. pink-purple/white, Feb to Apr or Aug to Dec. Sand. Coastal sand dunes & limestone.
Alternative Names. Rose-scented Pelargonium, Rose Geranium.
General Biology. Growth form. Herb. Life form. Perennial. Reproduction. Seed, root fragments. Dispersal. Wind, water, soil. Seedbank persistence. Medium to long term, 2+ years. Fire response. Frequent and/or intense fires create conditions suitable for greater invasion..
Notes. Is a major weed of Banksia woodland and coastal heathland. Invasion in Banksia woodland can be facilitated by disturbance including frequent fire. Frequent and/or intense fires create conditions suitable for greater invasion, including increased soil phosphorous levels. Seed is elliptically shaped, with a feathered, tail-like coiled spiral structure attached. This tail allows the seed to drill and secure itself in soil if twisted by the wind or affected by movement of animals. Seed has high levels of physical dormancy, which can be broken by high and/or low winter temperatures..
Additional information. Origin. South Africa. History of use/introduction. Ornamental, gene source (ornamental features), medicinal. Similar exotic species. Geranium molle, Pelargonium x asperum. Similar native species. P. littorale.
Suggested method of management and control. Hand pull isolated plants taking care to remove the entire stem as it can reshoot from below ground level. Spot spray metsulfuron methyl 5 g/ha + Pulse®. Easily controlled after fire. Read the manufacturers' labels and material safety data sheets before using herbicides. For further information consult the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority to determine the status of permits for your situation or state.
Calendar Type | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Active Growth | O | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | O | |||||
Germination | O | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||||||||
Flowering | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | ||||||||
Fruiting | Y | Y | Y | ||||||||||
Manual Removal | O | O | O | O | O | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y | O | |
Herbicide Treatment | Y | Y | Y | Y | Y |
Legend: Y = Yes, regularly, O = Occasionally, U = Uncertain, referred by others but not confirmed.