Overview
Geranium eritreae Kunth, also known as the Eritrean crane's bill, is a plant species that belongs to the Geraniaceae family. This plant is native to Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia. It is a perennial herb that bears many small flowers with pink and purple hues.
Appearance
The Geranium eritreae Kunth has a compact stem that grows up to 30cm in height. Its leaves are deeply divided into lobes and have a dark green color. The flowers bloom in clusters of up to 20 pieces and are about 1cm in size. The color of their petals ranges from light pink to purple. The plant blooms from February to May, and produce fruits that are thin and hairy capsules that split apart into segments, spreading the seeds.
Common Names
The plant has a few common names. In addition to Eritrean crane's bill, it is also known as Somali geranium and Abyssinian Stork's Bill.
Uses
Geranium eritreae Kunth has many health benefits as it contains essential oils that have medicinal properties. In Somali traditional medicine, the plant is used for treatment of different ailments, specifically skin infections. The plant has antimicrobial properties and antioxidants.
The plant is also used as an ornamental species due to its beautiful flowers and ease of care. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors in temperate climates with well-draining soil in full or partial sunlight.
Overall, Geranium eritreae Kunth is a beautiful plant with a lot of medicinal properties that can be grown indoors or outdoors to bring vibrance to space.Light Requirements
The Geranium eritreae Kunth plant requires a moderate amount of sunlight for its growth. It can tolerate full sun conditions but prefers light shade during the afternoon to prevent scorching of its foliage. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in a location with morning sun and afternoon shade. Insufficient sunlight may cause the plant to have elongated stems and reduced blooming.
Temperature Requirements
The plant grows well in a temperature range of 12-27°C (54-81°F). Higher temperatures above this range may cause the foliage to wilt, and the plant may go into a dormant phase to conserve energy. On the other hand, extremely low temperatures may damage the plant's leaves and stems, reducing its growth and development.
Soil Requirements
Geranium eritreae Kunth plant prefers well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.0-7.0. The soil should have good organic matter content to aid in moisture retention but should also allow proper aeration to prevent root disease. It is recommended to mix the soil with sand, loam, and perlite to improve drainage and provide air pockets in the soil. Moreover, the plant needs regular watering, and therefore the soil should not be allowed to dry completely.
Cultivation methods
The Geranium eritreae Kunth plant grows best in well-drained soil, with a pH range of 6.0 to 8.0. The plant prefers full sun and moderate temperatures of about 20°C to 25°C. It can also grow well in partial shade. Ensure you plant the geraniums at least 20 cm apart to allow each plant adequate space to grow adequately. Additionally, timely pruning helps to ensure bushy growth and abundant blooms.
Watering needs
Geranium eritreae Kunth plants require moderate watering. Water the plant when you realize the soil is dry by touching. During the hot season, you may need to water the plants frequently to prevent the soil from drying out. The best time to water the geraniums is early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the temperature is cooler, to avoid scorching the leaves.
Fertilization
Geranium eritreae Kunth plants require regular fertilization to thrive. Use a slow-release fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer, around the base of the plant at the beginning of the growing season. During the growing season, use a liquid fertilizer every month to keep the plant healthy and robust.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for the growth and overall health of Geranium eritreae Kunth plants. Regularly prune the stems of the plant to prevent them from becoming too long and leggy. Pruning also promotes bushy growth and increases the number of blooms. You can prune the geraniums after the blooming season or sometime in the early spring. Cut back the green, healthy stems to about one-third of their length. However, do not prune more than one-third of the plant at a go.
Propagation of Geranium eritreae Kunth
Geranium eritreae Kunth can be propagated through several methods:
Seeds
The most common method of propagation for Geranium eritreae Kunth is through seeds. The seeds can be sown in the spring or fall, and they will germinate in about two weeks. To ensure germination, the seeds should be sown thinly and covered with a light layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Once the seedlings have developed true leaves, they can be transplanted into individual pots or into a garden bed.
Cuttings
Geranium eritreae Kunth can also be propagated through stem cuttings. The cuttings should be taken in the summer when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy stem and make a clean cut just below a node. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with moist potting soil. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or into a garden bed.
Division
Another method of propagation for Geranium eritreae Kunth is through division. This method involves dividing an established plant into smaller sections, each with its own roots and stems. This should be done in the spring or fall when the plant is not actively growing. Carefully dig up the plant, and use a sharp knife or garden spade to divide it into smaller sections. Replant each section in a pot or in a garden bed, and water thoroughly.
Disease Management for Geranium eritreae Kunth
Geranium eritreae Kunth is susceptible to several diseases, but the most common include:
- Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease causes gray mold on leaves and stems, leading to plant decay. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts and increase air circulation to prevent wet conditions.
- Leaf Spots: Several fungi cause small, circular leaf spots that can merge and form large brown lesions. To manage leaf spots, remove infected plant parts and avoid overhead watering, which can spread the fungal spores.
- Rust: This fungal disease causes orange pustules on the underside of leaves, leading to yellowing and leaf drop. To manage rust, remove infected plant parts and prevent overcrowding to increase air circulation.
Pest Management for Geranium eritreae Kunth
Geranium eritreae Kunth is also susceptible to pest infestations, but the most common include:
- Aphids: These small, pear-shaped insects suck plant sap and excrete honeydew, causing leaf curling and yellowing. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a strong jet of water or apply insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: These tiny, hard-to-see insects suck plant sap and cause stippling, webbing, and leaf drop. To manage spider mites, increase humidity around the plant by misting and avoid over-fertilization, which can attract the pests.
- Whiteflies: These small, white insects suck plant sap and excrete honeydew, causing yellowing and leaf drop. To manage whiteflies, use yellow sticky traps or apply insecticidal soap.
