7. Geranium phaeum L. (mountains of S and C-Eur.) – A rare but locally more frequent and apparently increasing, naturalised escape from cultivation. Known at least since the beginning of the 19th century and sometimes (erroneously) claimed as a native species. In Belgium by far best known from the Vlaamse Ardennen (surroundings of Oudenaarde) where it was already commonly naturalised around 1860 (see actual map in Van den Bremt 2006). Elsewhere in Flanders Geranium phaeum seems to be rather rare but nonetheless well-established since long. It is known for instance from the Pajottenland, the surroundings of Brussel, Borsbeek and from several former estates (Aldenbiesen, Tournay-Solvay,…). Geranium phaeum is still regularly cultivated and sometimes occurs in new localities, for instance near Gent (often obviously from garden waste in wood margins). Geranium phaeum is much more rare in Wallonia (see map in van Rompaey & Delvosalle 1979) although some historical populations are known there as well. In Baudour (Mont-Garni), for instance, it is known since at least 1866 (Buxant 1970). It is furthermore known from an old estate in Louvignies.
Geranium phaeum preferably grows in shady, rather damp habitats, mostly in deciduous woodland, by streams, in wood margins, etc. In many cases it is still obviously linked with former cultivation (estates, parks, castles).
 |
 |
Selected literature:
Adolphi K. (1995) Neophytische Kultur- und Anbaupflanzen als Kulturflüchtlinge des Rheinlandes. Nardus 2: 272 p.
Buxant F. (1970) Le coin du floriste. En glanant ça et la dans nos régions. Bull. Soc. Roy. Natur. Mons et du Borinage 53: 29-33.
Van den Bremt P. (2006) Geranium phaeum. In: Van Landuyt W., Hoste I., Vanhecke L., Van den Bremt P., Vercruysse W. & De Beer D., Atlas van de flora van Vlaanderen en het Brussels gewest. Instituut voor Natuur- en Bosonderzoek, Nationale Plantentuin van België en Flo.Wer: 436-437.
Van Rompaey E. & Delvosalle L. (1979) Atlas de la flore belge et luxembourgeoise. Ptéridophytes et Spermatophytes (2ième éd.). Jardin Botanique National de Belgique, Meise: 1542 cartes.