Family: Geraniaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Pelargonium alchemilloides (lady’s mantle-leaf pelargonium, pink trailing pelargonium) is a low-growing perennial herb native to eastern Zimbabwe and southern Africa. It is valued as an ornamental plant for its soft, rounded leaves and delicate pink to purplish flowers that bloom over long periods. This trailing or spreading species is often used in garden beds, borders, hanging baskets, and groundcover plantings. Like many pelargoniums, it is appreciated for its adaptability, attractive foliage, and ability to thrive in sunny, well-drained locations.
Risks & Threats
Although Pelargonium alchemilloides is not currently known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it possesses traits that are cause for concern and could negatively impact tropical island ecosystems if it escapes cultivation. The species can spread through seed and vegetative growth, forming persistent patches that may compete with native vegetation in disturbed or sensitive habitats. Its tolerance of a range of environmental conditions increases the potential for establishment outside gardens. Because of these risks, choosing a low risk or native alternative is recommended whenever suitable alternatives are available.
High Risk Traits:
- Geophyte (bulbs/corms/tubers)
- Produces viable seed
- Vegetative fragmentation
- Reproduces in 1 year
- Intentional dispersal by people
- Wind-dispersed
- Water-dispersed
- Externally animal-dispersed
- Persistent seed bank (>1 year)
Low Risk Traits:
- No spines/thorns/burrs
- Non-toxic to humans
- No fire hazard
- Not shade tolerant
- No climbing/smothering
- No dense thickets
- Not bird-dispersed
- No gut passage survival
