Most of the scented leaf Pelargoniums are native to Africa and grow on mountainsides,forests, near rivers or streams usually near to coastal areas.
The scented aromas from the leaves of the pelargoniums are produced and contained in the Trichomes,
Trichomes meaning “hair” in Greek are long upright thin hairs on the surface of the leaves.
These hairs protrude from the epidermis in which plant cells are joined together giving protection and strength.
Most pelargoniums contain both glandular( which produces essential oil) and non glandular trichones.
There are six different types of scented pelargoniums species:
Rose scented
p. capitatum, p. radens (lemon/rose), p. graveolens (mint/rose)
Minty scented
P. tomentosum (peppermint)
Musky scented
P. vitifolium ( musky/lemon)
P.Papilionaceum
P.denticulatum (balsam)
P. viscosissimum (balsam)
P.exstipulatum
P.fruticosum
Lemon scented
P.citronellium (strong lemon scented)
P.crispum
P.scarbrun
Pineapple scented
P.mollicomum
Camphor scented (similar to rosemary scent)
P. glutinosum ( strong balsam)
P.odoratissimum (apple scented)
P. quercifolium (balsam)
P. grossulariodes (minty/fruity)
P. abrontanifolium (woody scent)
P. grandicalcaratum ( peppery scented)
P. betulinum ( camphor scented)
P. fragrans
Others
P.hispium
P.panduriforme
P.ribifolium
P. dichondrifolium
P.album
P. englerianum (endangered species)
P. otaviense
P. hirtum
