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Useful Tropical Plants

Oxalis articulata

Savigny

Oxalidaceae

+ Synonyms

Acetosella articulate (Savigny) Kuntze

Acetosella platensis (A.St.-Hil. & Naudin) Kuntze

Oxalis crassipes Urb.

Oxalis dumicola Arechav.

Oxalis floribunda alba hort. ex Vilm.

Oxalis guttata Osten ex Arechav.

Oxalis halophila Arechav.

Oxalis platensis A.St.-Hil. & Naudin

Oxalis rivalis Arechav.

Oxalis rubra A.St.-Hil.

Common Name: Pink Sorrel

Oxalis articulata
Flowering plant at Montagne Sainte-Victoire, Bouches-du-Rhône, France
Photograph by: Okki
GNU Free Documentation License
Oxalis articulata Oxalis articulata Oxalis articulata Oxalis articulata Oxalis articulata Oxalis articulata

General Information

Oxalis articulata is a perennial plant growing up to 40cm tall with a rhizomatous stem that can be 15cm long.
The plant is harvested from the wild for its edible leaves and flowers, which are consumed locally. It is often grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

The leaves contain oxalic acid, which gives them their sharp flavour. Perfectly all right in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since oxalic acid can bind up the body's supply of calcium leading to nutritional deficiency. The quantity of oxalic acid will be reduced if the leaves are cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[
238
Title
Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses.
Publication
 
Author
Bown. D.
Publisher
Dorling Kindersley, London.
Year
1995
ISBN
0-7513-020-31
Description
A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant.
].

Botanical References

200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.

Range

Southern S. America - Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil.

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Weed PotentialYes
Edibility Rating *  *  *
HabitPerennial
Height0.20 m
PollinatorsInsects
Cultivation StatusOrnamental, Wild

Cultivation Details


An easily grown plant, preferring a sandy soil in a warm dry position[
1
Title
RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956
Publication
 
Author
F. Chittendon.
Publisher
Oxford University Press
Year
1951
ISBN
-
Description
Comprehensive listing of species and how to grow them. Somewhat outdated, it has been replaced in 1992 by a new dictionary (see [200]).
,
27
Title
The Vegetable Garden.
Publication
 
Author
Vilmorin. A.
Publisher
Ten Speed Press
Year
 
ISBN
0-89815-041-8
Description
A reprint of a nineteenth century classic, giving details of vegetable varieties. Not really that informative though.
,
37
Title
The Gardener's Assistant.
Publication
 
Author
Thompson. B.
Publisher
Blackie and Son.
Year
1878
ISBN
-
Description
Excellent general but extensive guide to gardening practices in the 19th century. A very good section on fruits and vegetables with many little known species.
]. It dislikes dry or heavy soils[
37
Title
The Gardener's Assistant.
Publication
 
Author
Thompson. B.
Publisher
Blackie and Son.
Year
1878
ISBN
-
Description
Excellent general but extensive guide to gardening practices in the 19th century. A very good section on fruits and vegetables with many little known species.
]. Dislikes lime[
37
Title
The Gardener's Assistant.
Publication
 
Author
Thompson. B.
Publisher
Blackie and Son.
Year
1878
ISBN
-
Description
Excellent general but extensive guide to gardening practices in the 19th century. A very good section on fruits and vegetables with many little known species.
]. Prefers a southerly aspect[
37
Title
The Gardener's Assistant.
Publication
 
Author
Thompson. B.
Publisher
Blackie and Son.
Year
1878
ISBN
-
Description
Excellent general but extensive guide to gardening practices in the 19th century. A very good section on fruits and vegetables with many little known species.
].
This plant can become a weed in areas suitable for its growth[
200
Title
The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Publication
 
Author
Huxley. A.
Publisher
MacMillan Press
Year
1992
ISBN
0-333-47494-5
Description
Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
,
369
Title
Flora of Costa Rica
Publication
 
Author
Standley P.C.
Website
http://www.archive.org/
Publisher
Field Museum of Natural History; Chicago
Year
1938
ISBN
 
Description
Rather dated, but an excellent treatment of the area. Available for download from the internet.
].

Edible Uses

Leaves and flowers - raw or cooked. A pleasant lemony flavour, they make a nice flavouring in salads[
K
Title
Plants for a Future
Author
Ken Fern
Description
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
]. The leaves are available from June to October and the flowers from July to October, or even later in mild autumns[
K
Title
Plants for a Future
Author
Ken Fern
Description
Notes from observations, tasting etc at Plants For A Future and on field trips.
]. Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as ripe. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out when large enough.
Division, preferably when the plant is doemant. Very easy, larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out.
Cite as: Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2024-03-28. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Oxalis+articulata>

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