Pink shamrock, Lilac oxalis
Oxalis debilis var. corymbosa

Family: Oxalidaceae

What it is like

A small herb. It grows 25 cm high. It has bulbils 3-6 mm long. These are amongst the scales on the bulb. The leaves are compound and in rings. The leaf stalks are 7-25 cm long. The leaflets are 2-4 cm long. The flowers are purplish-pink. They occur in groups of 8-15 in the axils of leaves.

There are about 500 Oxalis species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows as a weed in lawns. It can grow in forest. In tropical Queensland it grows from sea level to 400 m altitude. In Java in Indonesia it grows between 450-1,450 m above sea level. In Argentina it grows below 1,000 m above sea level. It is usually in sunny locations.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Central America (country/location of origin), China, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Guyana, Haiti, Hawaii, Himalayas, India, Korea, Mexico (country/location of origin), Mozambique, North America, Northeastern India, Pacific, Paraguay, Puerto Rico, Southern Africa, South America (country/location of origin), Uruguay, USA, West Indies

How it is used for food

The taproot or bulb can be eaten raw. They are also used for pickles. The leaves are used to sour food. They are a substitute for tamarind. The harvested leaves can be stored for 3 days. Caution: The leaves should only be eaten in small amounts due to oxalates.

It is only eaten in small amounts

Edible parts

Leaves, roots, tubers, flowers

How it is grown

Plants are grown from small bulbs.

Its other names

Local names

Amrul, Bor tenggeshi, Copper Hammer Plant, Gider singri mekhai, Khatmitthi, 'Ipi pehu, Peria-puliyarai, Pink wood-sorrel, Piyag miu, Bor tengesi, Sanyecu, Tenga, Tenga se tenga, Three-leaved vinegar, Tinpatia, Tongchuicao

Synonyms

Oxalis corymbosa A. DC.; Ionoxalis martiana (Zuccarini) J.K. Small; Oxalis martiana Zucc.;