Oxalis tetraphylla
Family: Oxalidaceae
What it is like
Oxalis tetraphylla is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.3 m (1ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to September. 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): 0.1
Where it is found
A weed of cultivated soil in Jersey.
Southern N. America - Mexico. Naturalized in Britain.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 3
Leaves - raw or cooked. A pleasant acid flavour, though a little fibrous. Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet, Flowers - raw. A dellightful acid flavour, they make an attractive addition to the salad bowl and are especially relished by children. Root - cooked. Starchy but of poor quality.
Root: includes bulbs, corms, tubers, rhizomes etc.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating: 3
Ground cover. The plants are dormant for about 5 months of the year, but grow so densly in the summer that they make an effective ground cover in full sun or light shade.
Ground cover: Ground Cover
How it is grown
A very easily grown plant, preferring a sandy soil in a warm dry position. Our plants have proved to be very tolerant of neglect, succeeding for a number of years even in the dense growth of grass weeds. When well-tended, clumps can spread quite quickly. This species is not hardy in the colder areas of the country, it tolerates temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c. Closely related to O. deppei, which is included in this species by many botanists.
Propagating it: 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 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: Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 7-10
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.