Fish-tailed Oxalis, Pink shamrock, Broadleaf sorrel
Oxalis latifolia
Family: Oxalidaceae
What it is like
An erect herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It has spreading underground stems which produce many fibrous bulbs. It grows about 30 cm high. The leaves are at the base and have long stalks. The leaves have 3 leaflets. These are triangular and usually with notches at the tip. The flowers are pink. They are in loose umbrella shaped flower arrangements. About 12 flowers occur together.
There are about 500 Oxalis species.
Where it is found
It grows in temperate and tropical plants. In Nepal they grow from 1200-1600 m altitude. In Ecuador it grows between 1,000-3,000 m above sea level. Tasmania Herbarium.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa (S), Asia, Australia, Bolivia, China, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Ecuador, Europe, Haiti, Himalayas, India, Kenya, Lesser Antilles (country/location of origin), Madagascar, Malaysia, Mexico, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nepal, North America, Pakistan, Puerto Rico, Rwanda, SE Asia, South America, Spain, St Helena, Tasmania, Uganda, West Indies (country/location of origin), Zambia, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
Young leaves are pickled. They are also chewed as snacks. The stems have a sour taste and are chewed and also used to make a drink. The small tubers are eaten by children.
The small tubers are eaten by children.
Edible parts
Leaves, vegetable, stems - drink, tubers, flowers
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. It can be grown from bulbils.
The whole plant is removed and the leaves harvested.
Its other names
Local names
Agritos, Chariamilo, Chirisiqui, Ch'ullku, Gungwe, Kahungwarara, Kanyeebwa, Khatmandari, Khatmit-thi, Malori, Mu-chin, Musauti, Netho sag, Teen patti, Tenpaku, Thulo chari amilo, Tinpatia, Tochmehxokok, Trebol, Umngumungwana, Umungumungwana, Unk arxa, Uqa uqa