How Do You Spell PELARGONIUM?

Pronunciation: [pˌɛlɑːɡˈə͡ʊni͡əm] (IPA)

The word "pelargonium" is a bit tricky when it comes to spelling. It is pronounced as [pɛlɑrˈgoʊniəm], with the stress on the second syllable. The spelling of the word originates from the Greek word "pelargós," meaning stork, and "-ium," meaning a place. Thus, pelargonium roughly translates to "place of the stork." The spelling of this word can be easily confused with the similar-sounding "geranium," but it is important to remember that they refer to different plants.

PELARGONIUM Meaning and Definition

1. Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants belonging to the family Geraniaceae. It is commonly known as geranium, although it should not be confused with the genus Geranium, which is a different group of plants. Pelargoniums are native to South Africa but are widely cultivated and grown in gardens all over the world.

   These plants are herbaceous perennials or small shrubs with succulent stems and paired, palmately divided leaves. They feature showy, five-petaled flowers that come in a variety of colors, including pink, red, white, purple, and orange. The flowers are usually clustered and have symmetrical or irregular shapes.

   Pelargoniums are popular ornamental plants due to their vibrant flowers, attractive foliage, and pleasant fragrance. They are often grown in gardens, containers, or hanging baskets, and they can also be used as indoor plants. Their ease of growth, tolerance to various soil conditions, and resistance to drought make them suitable for different climates.

   In addition to their value as ornamental plants, some species of pelargoniums are used for medicinal or culinary purposes. The leaves of certain species are known to contain essential oils with antibacterial and insect-repellent properties. These oils are sometimes extracted and utilized in natural remedies or as flavorings for beverages and foods.

   Overall, pelargonium is a diverse and versatile genus of plants that offer aesthetic and practical benefits.

2. Stork's bill; a genus of beautiful flowering plants.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for PELARGONIUM

• oelargonium
• lelargonium
• -elargonium
• 0elargonium
• pwlargonium
• pslargonium
• pdlargonium
• prlargonium
• p4largonium
• p3largonium
• pekargonium
• pepargonium
• peoargonium
• pelzrgonium
• pelsrgonium
• pelwrgonium
• pelqrgonium
• pelaegonium
• peladgonium

Etymology of PELARGONIUM

The word "pelargonium" traces back to the Greek roots "pelargós" meaning "stork" and "geranós" meaning "crane". The name "pelargonium" was given to this genus of flowering plants because the fruits of the plant resemble the shape of a stork's bill or a crane's beak. This comparison is due to the long, narrow shape of the fruit capsules. The term was first used by the botanist Carolus Linnaeus when he formally described the genus in the 18th century.