2. Geranium divaricatum Ehrh. (Eur., As.) – A very rare and ephemeral alien but apparently often persisting for some time. First recorded in 1891 in Wesny-Dison (wasteland) and subsequently confirmed in the same locality in 1894 and 1900. Similarly, also seen near a grain mill in Wilsele in 1893 and 1894. No longer recorded in the 20th century but in 2011 suddenly and repeatedly recorded as a grain alien in several different port areas in Antwerpen and Gent (roadsides, wasteland, by railway tracks, unloading quays). In the same year also observed on a gravelly talus slope adjoining river Maas near Boorsem (Maasmechelen). Confirmed in some of these localities in 2012 and 2013. Formerly also recorded, for instance, in the Netherlands (Heukels 1917).
In general appearance Geranium divaricatum more or less looks like native G. molle and might pass unrecorded, both being annuals with bright pink petals. However, the former has more angular leaves, a shorter rostrum, less hairy leaves, slightly longer petals, etc.
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Selected literature:
Aedo C., Aldasoro J.J. & Navarro C. (1998) Taxonomic revision of Geranium sections Batrachioidea and Divaricata (Geraniaceae). Ann. Missouri Bot. Gard.85: 594-630.
Ellermann G. (2008) Die Geschichte vom Fund und Verlust des Spreizenden Storchschnabels (Geranium divaricatum). Floristische Notizen aus der Lüneburger Heide 16: 11-13 [available online at: http://www.kaiser-alw.de/pdf/Fl16_08.pdf].
Heukels H. (1917) Voor Nederland nieuwe plantensoorten en nieuwe vindplaatsen van zeldzame planten. Nederl. Kruidk. Arch. 1917: 129-135.