Good luck plant
Oxalis tetraphylla

Family: Oxalidaceae

What it is like

It is a bulb plant. It grows 15-20 cm high and 15-25 cm wide. The leaves have 4 triangular leaflets which meet at the top and fold in as darkness approaches. The flowers are funnel-shaped and pink. There are 4-12 per stem.

There are about 500-800 Oxalis species.

Where it is found

It is a warm temperate plant. It can tolerate light frosts. It needs moderate but regular moisture. It needs a fertile, humus-rich, well-drained soil. It suits hardiness zones 8-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Asia, Australia, Austria, Britain, Cameroon, Central America (country/location of origin), El Salvador, Europe, France, Guatemala, Himalayas, India, Indonesia, Korea, Mexico, North America, Northeastern India, Panama, Reunion, South America, Tasmania, Vietnam, Yugoslavia

How it is used for food

The roots are boiled and eaten. The young leaves are used in soups and salads. The flowers are used in salads.

Edible parts

Leaves, roots, flowers, tubers

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Lucky clover

Synonyms

Acetosella tetraphylla (Cav.) Kuntze; Ionoxalis tetraphylla (Cav.) Rose; Sassia tetraphylla (Cav.) Holub.; Oxalis deppei Loddiges;