Pelargonium is a genus of flowering plants which includes about 200 species of perennials, succulents, and shrubs, commonly known as geraniums or storksbills. Confusingly, Geranium is the correct botanical name of a separate genus of related plants often called Cranesbills. Both genera are in the Family Geraniaceae. They are drought and heat tolerant, but can tolerate only minor frosts. Some species are extremely popular garden plants, grown as bedding plants in temperate regions.

Pelargonium magenteum commonly known as Rabas or Magenta-flowered Pelargonium is a South African endemic species from the Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces. It is synonymously known as Pelargonium rhodanthum. Pelargonium magenteum is a summer deciduous, semi-succulent perennial shrublet that can attain a height of 1.5 m under ideal conditions. The cordate, roundish leaves are 16 x 15 mm, greyish green, and in most cases are covered in short, whitish hairs. Branches, especially the older branches, are somewhat woody; younger branches are more succulent. Flower colour ranges from mauve to deep magenta with dark spots or stripes on all the petals. Pelargonium magenteum flowers from mid-July to the end of August each year. This water-wise, popular garden plant is successfully used in container and garden cultivation.