Wildflower of the valley
Wallich’s Geranium
Geranium wallichianum
- How easy to find
- Easy to see — you will see it easily on the trail
- Flower size
- Medium
- Family
- Geraniaceae (Geranium family)
- Local name
- Laljar, Ratanjot, Kaphlya
- Type
- Herb
- Height
- 40–60 cm
- Flower colour
- blue
- Flowering
- June to September
About Wallich’s Geranium
Geranium wallichianum is named after Nathaniel Wallich who was involved in the development botanical Garden, Kolkata. It is a perennial herb of 40-60 cm height. Leaves can vary from 3 – 12 cm, shape is orbicular and color varies from deep or purplish pink to blue with a dark violet center. Its petals are marked with dark veins and anthers are of blackish color.
Where to find it
- In the middle of the valley
- In the deeper parts of the valley
Habitat
Moist open places
Uses & folklore
Roots of Geranium wallichianum are used for treating ear and eyes diseases. Red dye made from this plant is used as dye for woollen clothes and to promote hair growth. In Nepal whole plant is used for treating rheumatic pains and to clot bleeding. Roots are very useful as they are used to treat peptic ulcers. In India, it’s roots are used for toothache
What the name means
Geranium comes from the Greek geranos (crane), after the beak-shaped fruit; wallichianum honours Nathaniel Wallich, the Danish botanist who catalogued much of Indian flora.
Don't confuse it with
Geranium robertianum (sno 106, "Herb Robert") is smaller with pink flowers and finely divided red-stemmed leaves.
