The specific epithet gibbosum is derived from Latin and means ‘unevenly swollen’ and is in reference to the swollen nodes of the stem. The common names gouty pelargonium (gout causing swollen joints), knotted pelargonium, dikbeenmalva (thick-knee malva) and knopmalva (knobby malva) also refer to this characteristic.

The fresh leaves and buds can be eaten fresh as a wild food, the taste is tart but palatable.