A TAXONOMIC REVISION OF THE PELARGONIUM-PINNATUM SPECIES COMPLEX (GERANIACEAE)

The Pelargonium pinnatum species complex of section Hoarea (Sweet) DC. consists of geophytes with similar pinnate leaves. Macromorphological , anatomical and palynological studies were done to delimit the specie s and determine their relationship. Three species, P. pinnatum (L.) L' Herit., P. viciifolium DC. and P. trifoliolatum (Eckl. & Zeyh.) E.M. M arais comb. nov., are recognized. Although the species have similar pi nnate leaves, their floral structures differ to such an extent that th ey cannot be regarded as closely related species within section Hoarea .