Geranium and Pelargonium: History of Nomenclature, Usage and Cultivation

Confusion about the genera Geranium and Pelargonium existed even before Linnaeus' binomial system of classification bundled both into the former category in 1753. Despite later evaluations that separated the two, many practitioners of alternative medicine and aromatherapists, among others, remain unaware of the distinction. Laymen and plant sales personnel are often equally in the dark, as the majority of garden center 'geraniums' are Pelargonium species and cultivars. This work aims to dispel myths and peel away layers of incorrect and muddled information which contribute to the unclear image of the genera.

Geranium and Pelargonium: The Genus Geranium and Pelargonium features discussion and new information on some of the following areas:

* taxonomy and history of usage and nomenclature

* cultivation for essential oil production and retail purposes in different countries

* phytochemistry of the genera

* chemistry of Geranium and Pelargonium oils

* theory and practice of distillation of Geranium and Pelargonium oils

* pharmacology an therapeutic properties of Geranium and Pelargonium oils and extracts

* use of Geranium and Pelargonium products in aromatherapy, perfumery, cosmetics, food processing and medicine

* new research into Geranium and Pelargonium

This book will be of interest to graduate students, scientists and professionals in the Geranium and Pelargonium growing and retail industry, the perfumery, food and cosmetics industries, and to those interested in Geranium and Pelargonium for alternative and conventional medical use.

* Theory and practice of distillation

This book dispels myths and peel away layers of incorrect and muddled information that contribute to the unclear image of the genera. Some of the topics discussed include taxonomy and history of usage and nomenclature, cultivation for essential oil production and retail purposes in different countries, theory and practice of distillation of Geranium and Pelargonium oils, and pharmacology and therapeutic properties of Geranium and Pelargonium oils and extracts.This book will be of interest to graduate students, scientists and professionals in the Geranium and Pelargonium growing and retail industries and the perfumery, food, and cosmetics industries. Contributors Miller, Royal Horticultural Society, UK Jeffrey B. Harborne and Christine A. Williams, University of Reading, UK Tatyana Stoeva, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Bulgaria Elizabeth M. Williamson, University of London, UK Janet James, The Vernon Geranium Nursery, UK Stephen Hart, King's College London Stanley Deans, SAC Auchincruive, UK Peter Houghton, King's College London J. Renata Ochocka, Adam Bogdan and Arkadiusz Piotrowski, Medical University of Gdansk, Poland Frdric-Emmanuel Demarne, Adrian S.A. France B.R. Rajeswara Rao, Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, India Barry V. Charlwood, King's College London Rhona Wells, Southbank University Herbert Kolodziej, Dreie Universitt, Germany Monique Simmonds, Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew, UK