Some of the species are known as kusmalva (meaning, roughly, "coastal geranium") in Afrikaans.

Brushing against a bush releases a copious scent of the essential oil from damaged hairs.

[3] It can be easily propagated from seed or cuttings, and grows best in well-drained sandy soils.

[2] It is found in fynbos along the coast of South Africa, from Lamberts Bay in the Western Cape east to Kwazulu-Natal.

It is a popular and convenient ornamental plant and it also is one of the species of Pelargonium cultivated as a source of essential oils.