This species is closely related to and probably part of Oxalis tetraphylla[], differing only in its sessile bulbils and truncate leaves[].

Common Name: Iron Cross Plant

General Information

Oxalis deppei is a perennial herb producing a rosette of leaves about 30cm tall from an underground bulb and taproot.
The leaves and flowers are gathered from the wild and eaten locally. A very ornamental plant, valued for its free flowering habit, 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[].

Botanical References

Range

Southern N. America - Mexico. Occasionally established in Europe.

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Bulb
Height	0.30 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

An easily grown plant, preferring a sandy soil in a warm dry position[, , ]. It dislikes dry or heavy soils[]. Dislikes lime[]. Prefers a southerly aspect[].

Edible Uses

Leaves and flowers - raw or cooked[, , ]. A delicious lemony flavour, the leaves are tender and fairly free of fibres even when they get older[]. Both the leaves and the flowers make a very refreshing and thirst-quenching munch in the garden, they also make an excellent flavouring in salads[]. The leaves are available from June to October and the flowers from July to October, or even later in mild autumns[]. Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet.

Root - raw or cooked[, , , , ]. The roots are up to 10cm long and 3cm wide at the top, they are tender and juicy but usually insipid[]. Occasionally the root has a pleasant acid flavour, we have yet to find out what causes the difference[].

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. Our plants have never produced seed.
Division of the bulbs, preferably when dormant.

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