Oxalis europaea
Jordan
Common Yellow Oxalis
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(c) raquel_lopez25, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) raquel_lopez25, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
iNaturalist· cc-by-nc
(c) Sequoia Janirella Wrens, some rights reserved (CC BY-NC)
Summary
Source: WikipediaA dwarf annual or perennial growing to 40cm tall. Flowers bloom from June to September with seeds ripening between July and September. Hermaphroditic and self-fertile. Prefers light sandy or medium loamy, well-drained soils across a range of pH levels from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline. Requires full sun and tolerates both dry and moist conditions.
Description
It is like Oxalis corniculata but the stems do not form roots at the nodes. The leaves are almost opposite or in rings. The fruit stalk does not curve back.
Edible Uses
The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and have a pleasant acid flavour, making an excellent addition to mixed salads. Use in moderation due to oxalic acid content.
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
It is a temperate plant.
Where It Grows
Bangladesh, Britain, Europe, Mediterranean, North America, USA,
Cultivation
Plants can be grown from seed. Plants can also be grown by division.
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.
Other Uses
None known.
Notes
There are about 500 Oxalis species.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Amrul
References (4)
- Ara, R. I. T., 2015, Leafy Vegetables in Bangladesh. Photon eBooks. p 21
- Blamey, M and Grey-Wilson, C., 2005, Wild flowers of the Mediterranean. A & C Black London. p 111
- Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/
- F. W. Schultz, Arch. fl. France Allem. 2:309. 1854
