Practical
Plants

Geranium wallichianum

a perennial member of the Geranium genus in the family Geraniaceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.3 m
Spread
1.5 m
Fertility
Insects
Flower type
hermaphrodite
Pollinators
Insects

Uses

Medicinal uses

Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The plant has astringent properties[6]. A decoction of the root, mixed with the bark of Prunus cerasoides, is used in the treatment of peptic ulcers[9]. It has been used as a cure for toothache and has been applied externally to the eyes[1][8]. The juice of the plant is applied to fresh cuts to stem the bleeding[9]. A paste of the plant is used as a poultice to relieve joint pains[9].

Product or use
Astringent
Product or use
Odontalgic
Product or use
Stomachic
Product or use
Poultice

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

The root contains 30% tannin, it is used as a dye[11]. A good dense ground cover plant[3][4]. Plants should be spaced about 60cm apart each way[5].

Product or use
Dye
Product or use
Tannin

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Ground cover

Environment

Range
E. Asia - Himalayas from Afghanistan to Bhutan.
Habitat
Forests, shrubberies and open slopes, 2400 - 3600 metres[10].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Succeeds in any moderately fertile retentive soil in a sunny position[4]. Tolerates a wide range of soil types[4]. Prefers a position that is cool and moist in the summer but is not heavily shaded[2]. Plants are hardy to at least -20°c[2]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits[7]. Some named forms have been selected for their ornamental value[2].

References

  1. Singh. Dr. G. and Kachroo. Prof. Dr. P. Forest Flora of Srinagar. Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh 1976-00-00

    ↩

  2. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  3. Royal Horticultural Society. Ground Cover Plants. Cassells. 1989-00-00 ISBN 0-304-31089-1

    ↩

  4. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3

  5. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩

  6. Coventry. B. O. Wild Flowers of Kashmir Raithby, Lawrence and Co. 1923-00-00

    ↩

  7. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩

  8. Chopra. R. N., Nayar. S. L. and Chopra. I. C. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants (Including the Supplement). Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, New Delhi. 1986-00-00

    ↩

  9. Manandhar. N. P. Plants and People of Nepal Timber Press. Oregon. 2002-00-00 ISBN 0-88192-527-6

    ↩1↩2↩3

  10. Polunin. O. and Stainton. A. Flowers of the Himalayas. Oxford Universtiy Press 1984-00-00

    ↩

  11. Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable 1974-00-00 ISBN 0094579202

    ↩

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