GERANIUM, a genus of exogenous plants, the type of the natural order geraniacea, the limits of which correspond with those of the linnxan genus. This order contains at least 500 known species, very unequally distributed over the world, and particularly abounding at the cape of Good Hope, of which country most of the species of the large genus pelargonium are natives—a genus distinguished by an irregular corolla and by a nectariferous tube running down the flower-stalk. Many species of pelargonium., and many fine hybrids and varieties produced by cultivation are to be seen in green-houses, and some of them are frequent in cottage-windows. The name geranium is still very frequently given to them. The British geraniacea are thirteen species of geranium and three of erodium, all herbaceous. Some of them are comma weeds in fields and gardens, with small flowers; others have large and beautiful flowers, and are among the finest ornaments of groves and meadows. Some species of geranium are often cultivated in flower-gardens. The name geranium (Gr. geranos, a crane), the popular English name crane's-bill, and the German storelisnetbel, all refer to the beaked fruit. The geraniacece are generally characterized by astringency; many have a disagreeable, others a pleasantly aromatic and resinous smell, some a delightful fragrance. The STINKING CRANE'S-BILL
or HERB ROBERT (geranium, liobertianum), a common weed in Britain, with a diffuse habit, deeply divided leaves, and small flowers, has been used medicinally as an astrin gent, and in nephritic complaints. G. maculatum, a North American species, with flowers of considerable beauty, is the most valuable medicinal plant of the order. Its root, called ALUM ROOT in America, is extremely astringent, and abounds in tannin: it is used for gargles and as a medicine in various diseases.
A few geraniaccce produce edible tubers: those of geranium tuberosum are eaten in the s. of Europe; those of G. parviflorum in Van Diemen's Land, where they are known as native carrot; and those of pelargonium triste at the cape of Good Hope. The leaves of pelargonium acetosum and P. peltatum are edible, and gratefully acid. The cultivated geraniacco are propagated by seed or by cuttings; the shrubby kinds are very easily propagated by cuttings. They require a light rich soil: a mixture of leaf mold and sand is very suitable. They are kept low by pruning, to increase their beauty anti make them more productive of flowers.