I rescued this plant from the garbage can in my school's Botany lab. When I found it, it was uprooted and had only three leaves left on it. That was in mid October, and so far its grown another 16 inches and it flowered in late november. I didn't have a chance to save the flowers but it was a single stem from the main plant out the very top of the newly formed section. The flowers were tightly grouped individual flowers in an arrangement of five petals per flower, but they only lasted about 72 hours before wilting and the whole stem and flower clusters fell off. Its a very weird plant that I have come to love, and currently resides on my desk in my design studio, and lately I have noticed that whenever it is injured it gives off an odd smell that is hard to describe. It smells sort of like lettuce only more pungent. also its a hairy plant and is very soft to touch. Any help in identifying my friend would be very much appreciated. thanks much. -J.D.
It's been so long since I really looked at a 'geranium' (really Pelargonium) that I hesitate to say that's what it is. Needless to say they have a really distinctive odor and flowers arranged as you described.
I agree with Dave. A geranium. Blooming tip: As the blossoms begin to fade, pluck off the entire stem (at the base of the stem) to assure more blooms. They should bloom for a couple of months.
