Even though Pelargoniums are often called Geraniums – apparently this is incorrect! The REAL Geraniums are actually something else entirely.
I have a terrible habit of only photographing the flower heads – being petal obsessed (it’s a colour thing) and I never photograph the full plant. This means I have no record (nor recollection) of the leaves: their shape, size or position. I’ve noticed that this does not help in identifying things further than the family or genus name.
This plant was at an awkward height for me and I couldn’t have taken a photograph from above if I tried. Thus – the underside, which I like just as much!
I don’t feel too bad about not getting much further with the identification of this Pelargonium as apparently there is much confusion with regards to classification of true species, cultivars and hybrids according to Wikipedia.
Nr Ramsgate, Kwa-Zulu Natal – June, 2011
I, too, love to photograph the petals! I love the beautiful red color and the lighting!
Thanks Phyllis
I’ve been a bit slow in figuring out that you have 2 blogs! – Off to visit you now!
Oh, I do that too. I’m seduced by the petals, forget about the all-important leaves, and then struggle to identify the plant!
Thanks Meanderer, good to know that I am not the only one who does it!.. I need to pay more attention to the whole. I do the same with landscapes – not noting where I am when I fire off a shot!… Years later and if there are no other photos in sequence to help me identify the spot – It’s lost to me forever!
wow,,,, nice flower…
Thank you Didex
pretty shot – I too am guilty of going for the showy parts!!! ha ha
Looks like we aren’t the only ones, Sheila
Nice balance and use of soft focus.. I thought the Pelargonium was one of those creatures in the Harry potter books. Maybe it was in the greenhouse with the mandrakes.
Thank you elmediat. It’s been such a long time since I read any Harry Potter books, and alas, I have no copy of my own to refer back to!
I can definitely relate to the identification problem.
Interesting angle, though.
Thanks Clouded
Thanks for explaining the difference between geraniums and pelargoniums…see in swedish we say pelargonia, but I was taught that the english name was geranium! Funny to hear about your petal obsession, I’m just the same, having to force myself to zoom out from time to time
Love your photography !
Thanks Carola
I think it is a common mistake to make…and one that’s been going on for years and years!