Pelargonium tomentosum: A potential source of peppermint-scented essential oil

Abstract

A synopsis of the nomenclature and morphological features of Pelargonium tomentosum Jacq. (2n=44) is presented. The structure of the trichomes is described in detail and the composition of the essential oil is tabulated. The main components of the essential oil are (-)-isomenthone (61–62%) and (+)-menthone (25–27%), the rest being terpenic hydrocarbons. It is concluded that P. tomentosum roduction of natural peppermint-scented essential oil in South Africa. © 1990 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.