Geraniaceae

plant family

Also known as: geranium family

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

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The Geraniaceae family, commonly known as the geranium family, comprises about 800 species of herbaceous plants and woody shrubs, primarily found in temperate and warm regions. While many popular garden and greenhouse plants, such as zonal and ivy geraniums, belong to the closely related genus Pelargonium, the Geranium genus itself includes around 300 species, mostly from southern Africa.12

These plants are characterized by their gland-tipped leaf margins and flowers with a five-parted perianth, typically 10 stamens, and five fused carpels. The fruits are usually capsules that separate into individual segments when ripe. The Geraniaceae family is notable for producing essential oils, such as geranium oil, which is used in perfumery.312

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Geraniales
…most of these belonging to Geraniaceae. Members are mainly herbs with some woody shrubs or small trees. Leaves are simple or compound, usually stipulate, and typically possess gland-tipped leaf margins. Flowers are arranged in a cymose cluster and have a five-parted perianth, typically 10 stamens, and 5 fused carpels. Nectaries…
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…most of these belonging to Geraniaceae. Members are mainly herbs with some woody shrubs or small trees. Leaves are simple or compound, usually stipulate, and typically possess gland-tipped leaf margins. Flowers are arranged in a cymose cluster and have a five-parted perianth, typically 10 stamens, and 5 fused carpels. Nectaries…
Read More