Maikel de BakkerGeranium phaeum – The Dusky Cranesbill of Kampina
While exploring the serene Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I encountered the captivating Geranium phaeum, commonly known as the Dusky Cranesbill or "de donkere ooievaarsbek" in Dutch. This herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and thrives in woodland settings, preferring moist, well-drained soils and partial to full shade.
The plant features deeply lobed, soft green leaves often marked with maroon blotches. Its distinctive deep maroon-purple flowers, approximately 2 cm across, bloom from late spring to early summer, providing an early nectar pollinator source.
Photographed with my Canon 5D Mark III and Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens, this close-up reveals the intricate details of the flower's reflexed petals and the crane-like shape of its seed heads, which inspired the genus name "Geranium," derived from the Greek word for crane.
Capturing this plant in its natural habitat underscores the rich biodiversity of Noord-Brabant's woodlands.
#GeraniumPhaeum #DuskyCranesbill #DonkereOoievaarsbek #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #CanonMPE65mm #Kampina #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #WildflowerPhotography #WoodlandPlants #PollinatorFriendly #NatureLovers #BotanicalPhotography
While exploring the serene Kampina nature reserve near Oisterwijk, I encountered the captivating Geranium phaeum, commonly known as the Dusky Cranesbill or "de donkere ooievaarsbek" in Dutch. This herbaceous perennial is native to Europe and thrives in woodland settings, preferring moist, well-drained soils and partial to full shade.
The plant features deeply lobed, soft green leaves often marked with maroon blotches. Its distinctive deep maroon-purple flowers, approximately 2 cm across, bloom from late spring to early summer, providing an early nectar pollinator source.
Photographed with my Canon 5D Mark III and Canon MP-E 65mm 5x macro lens, this close-up reveals the intricate details of the flower's reflexed petals and the crane-like shape of its seed heads, which inspired the genus name "Geranium," derived from the Greek word for crane.
Capturing this plant in its natural habitat underscores the rich biodiversity of Noord-Brabant's woodlands.
#GeraniumPhaeum #DuskyCranesbill #DonkereOoievaarsbek #MacroPhotography #Canon5DMarkIII #CanonMPE65mm #Kampina #Oisterwijk #NoordBrabant #NetherlandsNature #WildflowerPhotography #WoodlandPlants #PollinatorFriendly #NatureLovers #BotanicalPhotography
