Angiosperms (Flowering Plants) • Earth.com

Dove's-foot Crane's-bill

(Geranium molle)

galery
en

Description

Geranium molle is a species of flowering plant in the family Geraniaceae, commonly known as Dove's-foot Cranesbill or Soft-leaved Crane's-bill. It is a herbaceous perennial plant that is native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. The plant is widely cultivated for its ornamental value and medicinal properties. Taxonomy and Nomenclature Geranium molle was first described by Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1753 in his book "Species Plantarum." The genus name "Geranium" is derived from the Greek word "geranos," which means "crane." This is because the shape of the fruit capsule of the plant resembles the beak of a crane. The species name "molle" is derived from the Latin word "mollis," which means "soft" or "tender." This refers to the soft texture of the plant's leaves. Description Geranium molle is a low-growing herbaceous perennial plant that typically grows to a height of 10-50 cm. The plant produces numerous stems that are covered with fine hairs. The stems may grow upright or may trail along the ground. The leaves of Geranium molle are deeply lobed and have a soft texture. They are typically gray-green in color and are arranged alternately on the stem. The flowers of Geranium molle are pink, magenta, or violet in color and have five petals. They are approximately 1-2 cm in diameter and are arranged in loose clusters. The flowers bloom from May to August and are followed by small, beaked fruits that resemble the beak of a crane. Habitat and Distribution Geranium molle is native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa. The plant is found throughout much of the Mediterranean region, including Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, and North Africa. It has also been introduced to many other parts of the world, including North America, Australia, and New Zealand. Geranium molle grows in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, meadows, fields, waste places, and along roadsides. It is typically found in well-drained soils, and it can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. Geranium molle is adapted to a range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. The plant is often found growing in disturbed areas, such as abandoned fields and roadsides, and it can be a common weed in some regions. In its native range, Geranium molle is often found growing in open, sunny habitats, including rocky slopes and hillsides. Cultivation Geranium molle is an easy-to-grow plant that is often cultivated for its ornamental value. The plant prefers well-drained soils and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. It is adaptable to a wide range of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clay soils. Geranium molle can be propagated by seeds or cuttings, and it is a low-maintenance plant that is resistant to most pests and diseases. To cultivate Geranium molle, it is best to start with a healthy plant from a reputable nursery or garden center. The plant should be transplanted into a well-drained soil, and care should be taken to ensure that the roots are not disturbed during the planting process. The plant should be watered regularly, but care should be taken not to overwater, as the plant is drought-tolerant. Geranium molle can be pruned after flowering to promote new growth and maintain the plant's shape. The plant can be propagated by seeds or cuttings. Seeds should be collected from mature fruits and sown in a well-drained soil. Cuttings can be taken from the plant in late spring or early summer and should be rooted in a well-drained soil. Geranium molle is a low-maintenance plant that is well-suited to a variety of garden settings. It is often used in rock gardens, borders, and containers, and it is also a popular plant for use in landscaping. The plant's ornamental value, combined with its ease of cultivation, make it a popular choice for gardeners and landscapers alike. Propagation Geranium molle can be propagated by seeds, cuttings, or division. Seeds: To propagate Geranium molle from seeds, collect mature seeds from the plant in late summer or early fall. Sow the seeds in a well-draining soil in the fall or early spring. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep the soil moist until germination. Germination usually takes 2-4 weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted to their permanent location. Cuttings: Geranium molle can also be propagated by taking cuttings. Take stem cuttings in late spring or early summer. Choose a healthy stem that is approximately 10-15 cm long and has several leaves. Remove the leaves from the bottom 2-3 cm of the stem and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until roots develop. Once the cutting has rooted, it can be transplanted to its permanent location. Division: Geranium molle can also be propagated by division. Divide the plant in the spring or fall when it is not in active growth. Dig up the plant and carefully separate the roots into smaller sections, making sure that each section has at least one stem and several roots. Replant the sections in a well-draining soil and keep the soil moist until the plants are established. Regardless of the method of propagation, it is important to plant Geranium molle in a well-draining soil and to keep the soil moist until the plants are established. Once established, the plant is low-maintenance and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. Medicinal Uses The leaves and flowers of Geranium molle have been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat a variety of ailments, including diarrhea, wounds, and skin irritations. The plant contains a range of compounds that have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties, which make it useful for treating conditions such as respiratory infections, menstrual cramps, and digestive disorders. In modern medicine, Geranium molle is still used for its medicinal properties. The plant's extracts are used in natural remedies and in some commercial products, such as herbal teas, skin care products, and essential oils. The plant is also being studied for its potential to treat certain types of cancer. Ornamental Uses Geranium molle is a popular plant for ornamental use. It is often grown in gardens and landscaping for its attractive flowers and foliage. The plant is easy to grow and is well-suited to a variety of growing conditions. Geranium molle is often used in rock gardens, borders, and containers, and it can be grown as a groundcover or as a trailing plant. The plant's flowers are also attractive to pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, which can help to support local ecosystems. Other Uses Geranium molle has also been used for other purposes. The plant's leaves have been used as a natural dye to produce a pinkish-brown color. The plant's fruits have also been used in traditional medicine to make a tea that is believed to have diuretic properties. In addition, the plant has been used as a source of food for livestock in some regions. Conservation Status The conservation status of Geranium molle is of "Least Concern" according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This means that the plant is not currently facing a significant risk of extinction or endangerment. Geranium molle is a widespread and adaptable species that can be found in a variety of habitats, including disturbed areas such as roadsides and abandoned fields. While it is not considered to be a threatened species, some populations may be impacted by habitat loss due to development, agriculture, and other human activities. Efforts to conserve Geranium molle may include protecting its natural habitats, promoting sustainable land use practices, and preventing the introduction of invasive species that may compete with or displace the plant. As an ornamental plant, Geranium molle is often grown in gardens and landscaping, which can also help to promote its conservation by increasing awareness of the plant and its value. Conclusion Geranium molle is a low-growing perennial plant that is widely cultivated for its ornamental value and medicinal properties. The plant is native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa and has become naturalized in many parts of the world. Geranium molle is easy to grow and can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. The plant has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and astringent properties and has been used to treat a variety of ailments.

Taxonomic tree:

Domain:
Kingdom: Plantae
Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order:Geraniales
Family:Geraniaceae
Genus:Geranium
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