The Cranesbill family, Geraniaceae, contains more than 800 species worldwide. Two of the largest subgroups, the Geranium genus (the cranesbills) and the Erodium genus (the storksbills), have pink, red, mauve or blue five-petalled flowers. They get their common name from the long, pointed beak at the tip of the seedpod. (Cultivated flowers that many people call 'geraniums' are really Pelargonium species or varieties; they were not derived from wild geraniums of the Cranesbill family.)
These thumbnail pictures have links to larger photographs and information about each of the species, their habitat needs and an identification guide.
We have used the scientific names to identify species in this table, but if you prefer to use common names we have also listed all species covered on the First Nature website in alphabetical order of Common Names...
There is also the option to see all species listed in order of Scientific Names or Botanical Families or Dominant Colour.
Introduction to wild flower families...
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