Geranium macrorrhizum

'Big Root Cranesbill'

[Wild Form]

Geraniaceae: a mat-forming, semi-evergreen perennial growing to 45cm tall. Found amongst limestone rocks, screes, in woods and scrub to 2100 metres. 5-petalled flowers magenta-pink flowers, up to 3cm across, are held above the foliage on upright stems. Blooming from June to August. Rounded, divided, lobed and toothed leaves are sticky and aromatic and can turn attractive shades in the autumn. Native to Central Europe to the Balkan peninsula.

USES:

The plant is used for medical purposes in the traditional herbal medicine since it possesses high antimicrobial properties. Essential oil is prepared from it, so it is also used in aromatherapy. In Bulgaria an oil is extracted from this plant, the name of which in Bulgarian means 'The healthy one'. In addition to essential oil, it contains flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, phenolic acids, pigments, vitamins, and mineral salts. A major component of essential oil is the sesquiterpene ketone germacrone.

It is reported to have aphrodisiac properties.

GROWING INFORMATION:

These perennial seeds germinate very irregularly over a long period. Lower temperatures of less than +5°C [41°F] are very effective. Best time to sow is late autumn - early spring. Seed trays should not be discarded prematurely. Constant moisture must be maintained. Do not leave in direct sunlight.

Easily grown in dry or moist situations, in sun or light shade, but can also grow in deep shade. Established plants are drought resistant.

Attracts bees.

HARVESTED: 2022*

APPROX. 25 SEEDS