Oxalis debilis


Oxalis debilis, the large-flowered pink-sorrel or pink woodsorrel, is a perennial plant and herb in the family Oxalidaceae. Its original distribution is South America but it has become a cosmopolitan species, occurring in all continents except Antarctica. It can be found in both temperate and tropical areas.
The flowers, leaves and roots are edible. The plant contains oxalic acid, which can cause calcium deficiency if eaten in larger amounts, but typical quantities of the plant would likely not be enough to cause this effect.

Description

It is a bulbous plant. The fruit is a capsule. The seeds are projected, with an elastic integument. In Europe the plants are sterile and are propagating only by bulbs. The leaves have a zesty lemony flavor.
Research on the naturalizing populations in China show the presence of 2 flower morphs, pollen with low viability and polyploidy.

Varieties and cultivation

There are two varieties:Oxalis debilis var. corymbosa Lourteig – large-flowered pink-sorrel Oxalis debilis var. debilis
'Aureoreticulata' has attractive variegated leaves with flowers that are pinkish purple. This cultivar is also named 'Gold Veined Oxalis' with attractive yellow vein foliage. The symptom is associated with the presence of a begomovirus. This virus, designated OxYVV, is transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci.
The Royal Horticultural Society advises that it can be a serious weed.

Distribution and habitat

Its original distribution is South America but it has become a cosmopolitan species, occurring in all continents except Antarctica. It can be found in both temperate and tropical areas.

Pests and diseases

Puccinia oxalidis is a fungus species in the genus Puccinia. This species is a causal agent of rust on plants in the genus Oxalis.

Uses

The flowers, leaves and roots are edible. There is concern that the plant should only be consumed in small amounts because it contains oxalic acid, which can cause calcium deficiency if eaten in larger amounts. Studies show that this is an exaggerated fear.