Nepalese Crane's Bill (Geranium nepalense)

At a glance

Lifecycle: Perennial (hardy)
Exposure: Full sun
Frost limit: −17.8 °C

Cultivation

Succeeds in any moderately fertile retentive soil in a sunny position. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer or rabbits.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer. Division in spring or autumn. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Edible uses

Leaves. No further details are given. Fruits - chewed fresh. The fruit is a small dry capsule[K].

Medicinal uses

The whole plant is antibacterial and astringent.

Material uses

A red dye is obtained from the root, it is similar to Rubia cordifolia. The root contains 25 - 32% tannins.

Habitat

Semi-shaded scrubby slopes and in forests, 1500 - 2300 metres in the Himalayas.

Native range

E. Asia - China to the Himalayas.