Fishtail sorrel
Oxalis semiloba

Family: Oxalidaceae

What it is like

A herb that keeps growing from year to year. It has rhizomes or underground stems. These are 15 cm long. The bulbs are 1-2 cm long. They usually occur singly at the base of the rhizome. The leaves have 3 leaflets. The leaflets do not have stalks. The flowers are 15 mm long. They are bright pink or red. They are in groups or 3-12.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in forest woodland and grasslands. It can grow in arid places.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Botswana, Central Africa, Congo DR, East Africa, Ethiopia, Kenya, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Southern Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The bulb is eaten raw. The leaves are eaten raw.

It is a significant occasional food in Mozambique.

Edible parts

Leaves, flowers, bulb

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bolila, Chienga, Cingingo, Kantedza, Micha micho

Synonyms

Acetosella semiloba (Sond.) Kuntze;