Oxalis barrelieri
L.
Barrelier's Wood-sorrel
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Summary
Source: WikipediaOxalis barrelieri, the Barrelier's woodsorrel, or lavender sorrel, also commonly called in French trèfle, oseille-marron, or oseille-savane, is a plant from the genus Oxalis.
Description
Oxalis barrelieri is a perennial with hermaphroditic flowers pollinated by insects. It grows in light sandy or medium loamy, well-drained soil in full sun, suitable for mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils. The plant tolerates both dry and moist conditions.
Edible Uses
The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and have an acid flavour. Use in moderation due to oxalic acid content.
Traditional Uses
The leaves are eaten for their sour taste.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
None known.
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.
Distribution
A tropical plant.
Where It Grows
Amazon, American Samoa, Asia, Cambodia, Dominican Republic, Guiana, Guianas, Guyana, Indochina, Indonesia, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, PNG, SE Asia, South America, Suriname, Venezuela, West Indies,
Cultivation
We have almost no information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in this country. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Easily grown in a sandy soil in a warm dry position.
Propagation
Seed is best sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame. Prick out seedlings into individual pots when large enough to handle, then plant out in late spring or early summer. Division in spring — larger divisions can go directly into permanent positions. Smaller divisions are better potted up and grown on in light shade in a cold frame until well established before planting out in late spring or early summer.
Other Uses
None known.
Notes
There are about 500 Oxalis species.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Belimbing tanah, Sayur asam, Suwa wiwii, Tjalingjing
References (9)
- Hedrick, U.P., 1919, (Ed.), Sturtevant's edible plants of the world. p 456
- Katz, E., et al, 2012, No greens in the forest? Note on the limited consumption of greens in the Amazon. Acta Soc Bot Pol 81(4):283–293
- Kermath, B. M., et al, 2014, Food Plants in the Americas: A survey of the domesticated, cultivated and wild plants used for Human food in North, Central and South America and the Caribbean. On line draft. p 596 (As Oxalis cytisoides)
- Pawera, L., et al, 2020, Wild Food Plants and Trends in Their Use: From Knowledge and Perceptions to Drivers of Change in West Sumatra, Indonesia, Foods. 2020, 9, 1240
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
Show all 9 references Hide references
- Smith, N., Mori, S.A., et al, 2004, Flowering Plants of the Neotropics. Princeton. p 283 (Drawing)
- Sp. pl. ed. 2, 1:624. 1762
- Veldkamp, 1971, Oxalidaceae, Flora Malesia Series 1 Vol 7:1 p 162
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
