A synopsis of the nomenclature, taxonomy and geographical distribution of Pe/argonium graveo/ens L'Herit. and P. radens H.E. Moore, two closely related species, are presented. They are both octoploids (2n = 88), and clearly advanced species within the section Pelargonium. Morphologically they are very similar, differing in leaf characters only. The composition of their essential oils, published for the first time, is almost identical. The isomeric terpenes citronellol, geraniol, linalol and

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... l, responsible for the rose scent of geranium oil, are either lacking or present in very small quantities (always < 0,5% of the total yield). The existence of hybrids between P. graveo/ens and P. radens, confirms their close relationship. 'n Samevatting van die nomenklatuur, taksonomie en geografiese verspreiding van die twee naverwante spesies, Pe/argonium graveo/ens L'Herit. en P. radens H.E. Moore, word gegee. Hulle is beide oktaplo"iede (2n = 88) en ongetwyfeld gevorderde spesies in die seksie Pe/argonium. Hulle vertoon baie morfologiese ooreenkomste en kan slegs op grond van blaarkenmerke van mekaar onderskei word. Die samestelling van hulle essensiele olies wat nou vir die eerste keer gepubliseer word, is bykans identies. Die isomeriese terpene citronellol, geraniol, linalol en nerol wat verantwoordelik is vir die kenmerkende roosgeur van geraniumolie, ontbreek of is slegs in klein hoeveelhede teenwoordig (altyd < 0,5% van die totale opbrengs). Die voorkoms van hibriede tussen P. graveo/ens en P. radens bevestig hulle noue verwantskap.