What is the Difference Between Pelargonium and Geranium

The main difference between Pelargonium and Geranium is the shape of their flowers; the two upper petals of Pelargonium flowers are different from the three lower petals, whereas the five petals of Geranium flowers are identical.

Pelargonium and Geranium are two plants of the same family: family Geraniaceae. However, these plants are not the same. Many people have trouble identifying the difference between these two species, and the majority of plants they identify as “geraniums” are actually pelargoniums. Identifying the difference between Pelargonium and Geranium is not so difficult once you know what to look for.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is Pelargonium 
      – Definition, Features, Effects
2. What is Geranium
     – Definition, Features, Effects
3. Similarities Between Pelargonium and Geranium
     – Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Pelargonium and Geranium
     – Comparison of Key Differences

Key Terms

Pelargonium, Geranium

What is Pelargonium

Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants that includes about 280 species. Some species of Pelargonium are very popular as garden plants and houseplants. The name Pelargonium comes from the Greek word pelargós, which means stork. This is because Pelargonium flowers form a seed head, which resembles the long and slender beak of a stork. Pelargonium species are evergreen perennials native to warm temperate and tropical regions. Although they cannot withstand extremely cold temperatures, they are heat and drought tolerant.

Furthermore, Pelargonium species bear flowers with five petals in umbel-like clusters (looks like ribs of umbrella). These flowers open from the center outwards. They have a long flowering period, and flowers are mostly red, orange, or white in color. These flowers have a single symmetry plane, so the lower three petals are different from the upper two petals. Also, the Pelargonium stem is erect and sturdy.

What is Geranium

Geranium is a genus of flowering plants that includes about 420 species. These plants grow in the temperate regions and the mountains of the tropics. Moreover, the name Geranium comes from the Greek word géranos, which means ‘crane’. Another name for this plant is cranesbill. This name originates from the appearance of the fruit capsule of some species – in fact, the fruit capsule of some species are long looks like the bill of a crane. We also call geraniums “hardy geraniums” due to their ability to withstand cold weather. But, it’s important to note that not all geraniums are able to withstand cold.

Geranium flowers have five petals, and each petal typically has a distinctive veining. In addition, the petals are very similar. They come in colors of pink, purple, white, or blue. Geranium flowers have radial symmetry. Therefore, if you divide a flower into three or more similar parts passing through the center, each sector will be identical Geranium leaves are long, palmately cleft and broadly circular in form.

Similarities Between Pelargonium and Geranium

• Pelargonium and Geranium belong to the same family: family Geraniaceae.
• Moreover, their flowers have five petals.

Difference Between Pelargonium and Geranium

Definition

Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants that includes about 280 species whereas Geranium is a genus of flowering plants that includes about 420 species.

Flowers

The two upper petals of Pelargonium flowers are different from the three lower petals, whereas the five petals of Geranium flowers are identical.

Symmetry

Pelargonium flowers have a single symmetry plane whereas Geranium flowers have radial symmetry.

Weather

Pelargonium plants are not cold tolerant, whereas most Geranium plants are cold tolerant.

Conclusion

Identifying the difference between Pelargonium and Geranium is not so difficult once you know what to look for. In fact, the main differentiating factor between these two plant species is the shape of flowers. The two upper petals of Pelargonium flowers are different from the three lower petals, whereas the five petals of Geranium flowers are identical.

Reference:

1. “Geranium.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 17 June 2021.
2. “Pelargonium.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 13 Sept. 2021.

Image Courtesy:

1. “Pelargonium bloom flower flora” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Geranium maculatum – wild cranesbill – desc-flower straight on” (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia

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