Native pelargoniums bear some resemblance to their highly bred exotic relations: the leaves are similar, so is the odd-shaped fruit which gives them their common name. But the flowers of the native species are smaller then the majority of their exotic cousins.

Pelargoniums are a flowering plant which include about 200 species of perennials, and shrubs, commonly known as scented geraniums or storksbills. Confusingly, Geranium is the correct botanical name of a separate genus of related plants often called Cranesbills. Both Geranium and Pelargonium are genera in the Family Geraniaceae. Linnaeus originally included all the species in one genus, Geranium, but they were later separated into two genera by Charles L’Héritier in 1789.Gardeners sometimes refer to the members of Genus Pelargonium as pelargoniums in order to avoid the confusion, but the older common name geranium is still in regular use, and most garden geraniums are in fact pelargoniums as opposed to true geraniums or cranesbill..

Native geraniums are not widely cultivated but 2 species should be far more common as they can be useful in both the garden and as a "landscaping" plant as a groundcover as they can be very vigorous especially in damp conditions. The two species from Australia will flower continuously through summer and into autumn.

Pelargonium australe

Pelargonium australe is a small, herbaceous plant to about 0.5 metres high with a distribution covering a range of habitats. It is found in semi arid areas, alpine areas and along the coast throughout temperate Australia. The stems and leaves are hairy. Leaves are oval shaped, lobed and about 30-40 mm long. The flowers are usually white with red streaks and occur on long stalks in groups of up to 12 flowers. Although not widely cultivated, P.australe would be an attractive plant for a rockery or container. It is hardy in a range of soils and prefers full sun or light shade.. The leaves are quite rounded. Flower vary from white with purple veins to mauve. It's an unassuming plant although it does provide good foliage texture and samll delicate flowers colour. Tolerant of most soils and prefers full sun. Propagation is easy from cuttings

Pelargonium rodneyanum (Magenta Storksbill)

This brightly coloured perennial is found naturally in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia. It makes an excellent showy garden plant. It's a perennial that grows to about 300mm high and 500mm wide, with short trailing stems. The roots develop tubers, so it gears itself up for surviving tough times. It produces brightly coloured magenta flowers through late spring,
summer and into autumn. It prefers well-drained soil and can be grown in full sun or semi-shade.