Bermuda Buttercup
Oxalis pes-caprae

Family: Oxalidaceae

What it is like

Oxalis pes-caprae is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It is in leaf from October to June, in flower from March to June, and the seeds ripen from April to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy) and medium (loamy) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.

Height (m): 0.2

Where it is found

Roadsides and grassy places in S. Africa. Occasionally naturalized in S.W. England but it does not flower there.

S. Africa. Occasionally naturalized in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Leaves - raw or cooked. A pleasant acid flavour, the make a pleasant addition to mixed salads, whilst children especially like to eat them on their own. Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet. Flowers - raw. A pleasant acid flavour, they make an attractive addition to the salad bowl. Root - cooked.

Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Easily grown in a sandy soil in a warm dry position. This species is not very cold-hardy in Britain, though it is naturalized in parts of south-western England. It tolerates temperatures down to about -5°c. Plants spread rapidly when in a suitable environment and can quite easily become a weed in virtually frost-free environments. Plants seldom produce seed in Europe but they spread by means of asexually produced bulbils.

Propagating it: 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.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; South Wall. In. West Wall. In.

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

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. The quantity of oxalic acid will be reduced if the leaves are cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

O. cernua.