Geranium robertianum

Scientific name: Geranium robertianum L.
Common name: Herb-Robert

Description
Habit: A hairy annual, to 50 cm high.
Stems: Erect to semi-erect, strong-smelling.
Leaves: Opposite, with stipules, triangular in outline, divided into 3 lobes, lobes much-divided almost to the midrib, often reddish.
Flowers: Pink to reddish-purple, actinomorphic, hermaphrodite, 15-20 mm across, long-stalked; sepals and petals both 5 and free, petals rounded or flattened at tip; stamens 10; ovary superior.
Fruits: A dry, hairy and ridged schizocarp, consisting of five 1-seeded portions which are at first united but later peeling away separately from the central axis, each with a long, persistent and straight style.

Habitat: Woodland, scrub, hedges, walls, rocks, limestone pavement and many other habitats.Distribution: Abundant throughout, except mountains and blanket-bogs.

Native status: Native
Of conservation interest: No

Subspecies:
Geranium robertianum subsp. robertianum
G. robertianum subsp. celticum Ostenf.

Subsp. celticum has paler flowers (more pink than reddish-purple) and the foliage and stems, less hairy. It occurs on usually coastal, limestone rocks in this region (including Aran).

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