Pelargonium is a
genus of
flowering plants which includes about 200
species of
perennials,
succulents, and
shrubs, commonly known as
geraniums (in the United States also
storksbills). Confusingly,
Geranium is the botanical name (and also common name) of a separate genus of related plants often called cranesbills. Both genera belong to the
family Geraniaceae.
Linnaeus originally included all the species in one genus,
Geranium, and they were later separated into two genera by
Charles L’Héritier in 1789.