Oxalis bifida

Oxalis bifida
Light:
Moisture:
Hardiness:	9
Soil pH:	5.6-8.4
Height:	1'
Blooms:	Late Spring-Mid Summer
Native to:	Africa
Edible Rating:
Tea:	Yes

Oxalis bifida

Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in late spring or early summer.

Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Cultivation: Easily grown in a sandy soil in a warm dry position.

This species is not very cold hardy in Britain, though it might succeed outdoors in the milder areas of the country.

Range: S. Africa - Cape Province.

Edibility: Leaves - raw or cooked. Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet.

Bulb - raw.

Pollinators: Insects

Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.

Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.

Flower Type: Hermaphrodite

Known Hazards: The leaves contain oxalic acid, which gives them their sharp flavour. Perfectly all right in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since oxalic acid can bind up the body's supply of calcium leading to nutritional deficiency. Th

Links

• Oxalis bifida - Plants for a Future