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There are approximately 280 known species within the Pelargonium genus. Pelargonium citronellum was described by Vorster & Van der Walt in 1983. [1] This species happens to be a hybrid and is known to be closely related to P. crispum. This plant is also known by the name citrosa plant or citronella scented geranium. [2] However, this plant is also commonly found under names such as mosquito plant geranium, citrosa geranium [3]. This plant was genetically engineered to help repel mosquitoes. The plant is constantly releasing fragrance that is said to repel mosquitoes. It is believed that the plant was created in Holland by implanting genes from Chinese grass of citronella into a plant within the genus Pelargonium. [1]

Description

This perennial sub-shrub is an evergreen plant. This plant gives off a strong lemon scent. this plant is able to grow able approximately 6 feet in height and 3 feet in width. Small and glandular hairs are scattered throughout the plants stem and leaves. The leaves on this plant are simple with alternating arrangement and that are palmately shaped. The flowers that grow from this plant are pink/purple in color with dark markings on the larger petals, while the lower petals do not have any markings.

Conservation

Pelargonium citronellum is rare. However, this species is not threatened. This species requires a specialized habitat.

Ecology

For this plant to thrive it needs to be in a place with sufficient amount of water. The seed of this plant has adapted to dispersal by wind. Once the seed has been dispersed, it will anchor itself to the ground to prevent being carried away by wind, or an animal.

Matsuda, B. M.; Surgeoner, G. A.; Heal, J. D.; Tucker, A. O.; Maciarello, M. J. (1996-03). "Essential oil analysis and field evaluation of the citrosa plant "Pelargonium citrosum" as a repellent against populations of Aedes mosquitoes". Journal of the American Mosquito Control Association. 12 (1): 69–74. ISSN 8756-971X. PMID 8723261. Check date values in: |date= (help