Class
Family
Genus
Classification
Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Geranium molle L., Sp. Pl. 682 (1753)
Vernacular Name(s):
Dove's-foot; dove's-foot cranebill; Dove's-foot cranesbill; Namunamu
Description
Taprooted, annual herb, with basal rosette of lvs, densely covered in short or long hairs. Stems decumbent or ± ascending, pinkish, to c. 50 cm long. Petiole of rosette and lower cauline lvs to 14 cm long, densely covered in patent white hairs. Lamina palmately lobed, 1.5–5 × 1.5–6 cm, reniform to orbicular, densely covered in long white hairs; lobes 5–9, extending to c. 3/4 way to petiole, usually with 3 oblong to obovate, obtuse to rounded, secondary lobes towards apex. Upper lvs smaller and simpler with shorter petioles. Fls numerous, usually paired; peduncles with dense, long, white, eglandular and short glandular hairs; pedicels similar but often < peduncles and curving upwards after flowering. Sepals 2–3.5 mm long, ovate, with hairs as on pedicels, mucronate. Petals (3)–4–6 mm long, obovate, rosy pink or pink, deeply emarginate; claw very short. Filaments whitish; anthers mauve. Mericarps c. 1.5 mm long, broad, glabrous, with prominent pale transverse ridges. Seeds smooth.
[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]
Biostatus
Exotic
Phenology
Flowering: Sep.–Feb.
Bibliography
Carolin, R.C. 1965: The genus Geranium L. in the south western Pacific area. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 89: 326–361.
Linnaeus, C. 1753: Species Plantarum. Impensis Laurentii Salvii, Stockholm.
