Bermuda buttercup, Soursob, Cape sorrel
Oxalis pes-caprae

Family: Oxalidaceae

What it is like

A herb which keeps growing from year to year. It has an underground stem which produces many bulbs. The leaves have 3 leaflets are are arranged in a ring near the base. The leaflets have 2 lobes. They are on long leaf stalks. The leaflets have a few stiff hairs underneath. The flower stalks arise from the base and are longer than the leaves. There can be 3-16 flowers in a cluster. The flowers are large and yellow. The petals are 2-2.5 cm long.

There are about 500 Oxalis species.

Where it is found

It grows in warm temperate and Mediterranean climate areas. It grows in dry areas. It is native to South Africa. It can grow in hot arid areas with a marked dry season. The dry season can be 6-11 months. It grows in coastal regions and between 50-500 m above sea level. It can tolerate shade. It can grow in arid places. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Britain, Canary Islands, Chile, China, Cyprus, East Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Europe, France, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Kenya, Libya, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, Namibia, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Pakistan, Palestine, Portugal, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, SE Asia, Sicily, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, South America, Spain, St Helena, Syria, Tanzania, Tasmania, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, USA

How it is used for food

CAUTION: The leaves contain oxalates and can affect calcium absorption. They probably damage kidneys. They should not be eaten in large amounts. They are best eaten with a readily available source of calcium such as cream or coconut milk. They are eaten raw in salads. They are also added to soups and stews. The flower stalks are eaten. The bulbs are eaten grilled.

The leaves are eaten especially by children as a snack.

Edible parts

Leaves, root, stems, bulbs, vegetable, flowers

How it is grown

It spreads rapidly from the small bulblets.

Its other names

Local names

Acite, Agrio, Alelias, Auriduci, Cannacitula, Eksi yonca, Eksili, Eksilice, Elhounida essafra, Geelsuring, Kati Booti, Koca eksiyonca, Suring, Suuring, Vinagrillo

Synonyms

Oxalis abyssinica Turcz.; Oxalis cernua Thunb. Diss.; Oxalis mairei R. Kunth ex Engl.; Oxalis sericea L. f.;