The Geraniaceae or geranium family is widely distributed but concentrated in temperate areas. It is absent from the wet tropics and much of Australasia. The family is made up of 5-6 genera and about 800 species of annual and perennial shrubs, herbs and geophytes. The leaves are alternate, usually stipulate, and usually lobed or otherwise divided. The flowers are radially symmetrical (Geranium) or slightly zygomorphic (Pelargonium), with 5 free petals and 5 sepals either connate or united at the base. The inflorescences are usually umbellate or cymose. The fruit is a dry schizocarp made up of five (or three) fused carpels. Genus Pelargonium has about 280 species with a center of diversity in the Cape region of South Africa. It is an important horticultural plant the oils of which are also used in perfumes and flavorings. Other Geraniums have been used in traditional medicines.