Oxalis purpurea
L.
Largeflower woodsorrel
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(c) Hayley-May Wittridge, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Hayley-May Wittridge
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(c) Ryan Tippett, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Ryan Tippett
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(c) Patrick Lane, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC), uploaded by Patrick Lane
Summary
Source: WikipediaOxalis purpurea is a species of flowering plant in the woodsorrel family known by the common name purple woodsorrel. It is native to southern Africa, including South Africa, but it is known on most continents as an introduced species. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Description
A herb. It forms a bulb. It grows 10-15 cm high and spreads 10-15 cm wide. There are 3 rounded leaflets. The flowers are red, pink or white.
This description is brief — help expand it
Edible Uses
The leaves are used to flavor food. The peeled tubers are cooked and eaten.
Traditional Uses
The leaves are used to flavour food. The peeled tubers are cooked and eaten.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Known Hazards
Plants are damaged by frost.
Distribution
It is a warm temperate plant. It can grow in full sun or part shade. It is damaged by frost. It suits hardiness zones 9-10.
Where It Grows
Africa, Australia, Eswatini, Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tasmania,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown from the underground bulbs.
Synonyms
References (3)
- Joffe, P., 2007, Creative Gardening with Indigenous Plants. A South African Guide. Briza. p 277
- Long, C., 2005, Swaziland's Flora - siSwati names and Uses http://www.sntc.org.sz/flora/
- Tasmanian Herbarium Vascular Plants list p 42
