Oxalis triangularis

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Oxalis triangularis
Light:Full Sun Part Shade
Moisture:Xeric Mesic
Soil pH:5.6-8.4
Height:1'
Blooms:Early Summer-Early Fall
Native to:
Edible Rating:PFAF Edibility RatingPFAF Edibility Rating
Tea:Yes
Poisonous

Oxalis triangularis

Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in a greenhouse for their first winter. 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 in sun or light shade[1][2]. Grows well in a dry shady corner[3].

Plants are not very cold-hardy in Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -3°c[3]. Given a suitable position, it should succeed outdoors at least in the mildest parts of the country[K]. It should be possible to grow it even in the colder areas by digging up the bulbs in the autumn after the top growth has been cut down by frosts, storing them in a cool but frost-free place and replanting them in mid to late spring[K].

Range: S. America - Brazil.

Habitat: Amongst rocks by streams at elevations of about 600 metres around Rio de Janeiro[3].

Edibility: Leaves - raw or cooked[K]. A pleasant acid flavour[K]. Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet,

Flowers - raw[K]. A pleasant and decorative addition to the salad bowl[K].

Root - raw or cooked. The root is up to 5cm long and 15mm wide, it is crisp and juicy with a pleasant sweet mild flavour[K].

Pollinators: Insects

Soil: Can grow in light and medium soils.

Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.

Wind: Tolerates strong winds

In Leaf: Early Summer-Mid Fall

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

References

  1. Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
  2. Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
  3. 3.0 3.1 3.2 Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Conservatory and Indoor Plants Volumes 1 & 2. Pan Books, London, 1998.