Overview:
Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv. is a herbaceous perennial plant that belongs to the genus Geranium and family Geraniaceae. It is native to the mountains of Ethiopia and Eritrea and is commonly found in moist and rocky areas at elevations of 2,000-3,500m.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known as “Smooth Stork’s bill” due to its seed capsules resembling bill of the stork, and “Azmari-kidanäm,” which means "the poet's hand" in the Amharic language, referring to the plant's delicate, finely cut leaves resembling the hand of a poet.
Uses:
Geranium simense var. glabrium has various medicinal uses, including the treatment of diarrhea, stomachache, dysentery, and skin diseases. The leaves and stem are crushed and mixed with water to make a paste that is applied topically to treat skin ailments. The plant is also used for traditional spiritual and cultural practices in Ethiopia.
General Appearance:
The plant has a rosette of finely cut leaves that grow up to 25cm in length. The stem is hairless and slender, growing up to 50cm tall, and bears small pink or white flowers that bloom from June to September. The flowers have five petals, 10 stamens, and a long central column. The plant produces fruit in the form of a capsule, which splits open when ripe, revealing numerous small, brown seeds resembling a stork's bill.
Light Requirements
Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv. requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It can tolerate some shade, but excessive shade may cause leggy growth and fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
The plant thrives under moderate temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C during the day and 10°C to 15°C at night. Extreme temperatures can cause stress and reduce the plant's growth and flowering ability. During winter, the plant may require protection from frost and cold winds.
Soil Requirements
Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv. prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.5. The soil should be loamy and rich in organic matter, and it should retain some moisture without becoming waterlogged. The plant can tolerate poor soil conditions but may not perform well if the soil is consistently dry or compacted.
Cultivation Methods
Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv. prefers full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. It is a slow-growing, evergreen plant that grows well in well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.5. The plant is tolerant of drought conditions and can thrive in poor soil but remains susceptible to root rot. It can be propagated from seeds, cuttings, and division of the root ball.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is essential for the growth of Geranium simense var. glabrium. The plant should be watered regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering that may cause root rot. Allow the soil to dry out before watering and water the plant at its base, avoiding water on its leaves or flowers. During the winter months, reduce watering, but ensure the soil does not completely dry out.
Fertilization
Geranium simense var. glabrium is a light feeder and does not require excessive fertilization. However, to promote healthy growth, apply a slow-release fertilizer during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of blooms.
Pruning
Pruning can help to shape and increase the density of Geranium simense var. glabrium. The best time to prune the plant is during the early spring before the growing season. Cut back the old growth about 2/3 of its length, leaving a healthy set of leaves on each stem. Deadhead the plant regularly by removing faded blooms and damaged foliage to promote further flowering.
Propagation of Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv.
Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv. can be propagated through several methods.
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv. is through seed. Gather seeds from a mature plant in the fall, around October, when the seed heads are dry. Sow the seeds in a potting mix in the spring, in March or April. Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a plastic dome to keep the seeds moist until they germinate. During the germination period, make sure the temperature is between 70-75°F.
Stem Cuttings Propagation
Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take stem cuttings in early spring, before the plant has started to produce new growth. Cut the stem just below a node and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a potting mix and water it. Cover the pot with a plastic bag to maintain moisture and keep the cutting in a shady area until it roots in about 4-6 weeks.
Division Propagation
Another method of propagation is by dividing the plant. Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv. needs to be mature enough to be divided, which usually occurs after three years of growth. Dig up the root ball and divide it into small pieces. Replant the pieces in a potting mix, watering them well. Make sure they are kept moist and shaded for a week or two until they have become established.
By following any of these propagation methods, you can propagate Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv. and expand your garden.
Disease and Pest Management for Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv.
Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv. is generally a hardy plant and is resistant to most diseases and pests. However, as with any plant, it is susceptible to certain diseases and pests. The following are some common diseases and pests that might affect Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv. and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal diseases: Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv. is susceptible to fungal diseases such as powdery mildew, gray mold, and black spot. To avoid fungal diseases, it is important to water the plant properly, avoid overcrowding, and maintain good air circulation. If the plant does get fungal diseases, remove infected leaves and treat the plant with fungicide.
Bacterial diseases: Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv. is susceptible to bacterial diseases such as bacterial wilt and leaf spot. To avoid bacterial diseases, it is important to avoid overhead watering, remove infected leaves, and keep tools and equipment clean. If the plant does get bacterial diseases, remove infected leaves and treat the plant with copper-based fungicide.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are common pests that can affect Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv. To manage aphids, spray the plant with a solution of water and soap, or a neem oil solution.
Spider mites: Spider mites are another common pest that can affect Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv. To manage spider mites, spray the plant with a solution of water and soap, or a neem oil solution.
Slugs and snails: Slugs and snails can also affect Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv. To manage slugs and snails, remove them manually and create barriers such as crushed eggshells or copper tape around the plant.
In conclusion, by taking preventive measures and managing diseases and pests as soon as they arise, Geranium simense Hochst. ex A.Rich. var. glabrium Oliv. can continue to thrive and produce beautiful flowers.
