Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants which includes about 200 species of perennials, succulents, and shrubs, commonly known as geraniums or storksbills. Confusingly, Geranium is the correct botanical name of a separate genus of related plants often called Cranesbills. Both genera are in the Family Geraniaceae. They are drought and heat tolerant, but can tolerate only minor frosts. Some species are extremely popular garden plants, grown as bedding plants in temperate regions.

Pelargonium capitatum is grown for its rose scented oil of geranium. The sweetly scented leaves are a refreshing skin conditioner. The leaves, when rubbed into the hands, soothe calluses and scratches. It can also be rubbed into heels to soften horny, cracked skin and can be tied in a piece of muslin cloth and used in the bath as a skin and wash treatment which also soothes rashes. Be careful not to leave the muslin cloth in the bath when letting the water out. It will stain your enamel bath if left to dry inside the bath. This will only happen when the leaves start drying, so it is completely safe to use in the bath as long as the leaves remain wet. A tea made from leaves was an old remedy used by people from the Cape to treat kidney and bladder ailments, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and flatulence.