Common Name:

General Information

Oxalis bifida is a hardy bulb growing up to 30cm tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food.

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 Africa - southwest Cape Province.

Habitat

Not known

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

This species is not very cold hardy in Britain, though it might succeed outdoors in the milder areas of the country.
Easily grown in a sandy soil in a warm dry position.

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked. Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet.

Bulb - raw[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as ripe in a cold frame. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out in late spring or early summer.
Division in spring. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.