Geranium sanguineum

Observed from the low altitude zone of Mt. Paggaio (about 500 m asl.) to about the area of the mountain peaks. It has been recorded in various places around the mountain, with the largest number of observations made in the SE, E, NE and N part of the mountain.

Its population is quite large on Mt. Paggaio, due to its wide distribution. It is a perennial, herbaceous plant, characterized by the highly branched, upright or lateral stems, which have white hair. The leaves are large (up to 8 cm wide) and diverse, divided into 5-7 deep lobes that almost reach the base of the leaf. It is a beautiful wild geranium, with large and impressive, reddish to reddish violet, flowers, appearing individually on the stems. The nerves on the upper side of the petals are deep violet, which makes them particularly prominent. The name of the genus (Geranium) comes from the Greek word for the bird geranos, and is due to the shape of the fruit after fertilization of the flowers. The name of the species (sanguineum) indicates the red color that the leaves acquire during autumn, hence its common English name, “Bloody Cranesbill“. Although it mainly prefers grasslands, shrubs, openings and forest edges, it is also found in deciduous forests or in rocky places. It has no special requirements regarding the soil type, and this is the reason for its extensive use as an ornamental. It flowers during May and June, depending on the altitude.

Due to its relatively wide distribution on Mount Paggaio, no particular threats and pressures were observed which would lead to a significant reduction in its population.

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It is not subjected to any national or international conservation status. On Mount Paggaio, we did not observe any negative impact.