This species is closely related to and probably part of Oxalis tetraphylla[], differing only in its sessile bulbils and truncate leaves[].

Common Name: Iron Cross Plant

General Information

Oxalis deppei is a perennial herb producing a rosette of leaves about 30cm tall from an underground bulb and taproot.
The leaves and flowers are gathered from the wild and eaten locally. A very ornamental plant, valued for its free flowering habit, it is often grown as an ornamental in gardens[, ].

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 N. America - Mexico. Occasionally established in Europe

Habitat

Not known

Properties

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

Cultivation Details

Oxalis deppei is only hardy outdoors in the milder areas of the temperate zone, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c or perhaps a bit lower if the soil is very well-drained. The bulbs are easily harvested in late autumn, however, and can be stored overwinter in a cool frost free place, replanting them in the spring[]. In milder winter areas a good mulch is usually sufficient to see the bulbs through the winter and they will then normally be more productive of leaves and flowers in the following year. Plants have survived the winter for several years without a mulch on our trial grounds in Cornwall (hardiness zone 8)[].
An easily grown plant, preferring a sandy soil in a warm dry position[, , ]. It dislikes dry or heavy soils[]. Dislikes lime[]. Prefers a sunny aspect[].
A very ornamental plant, flowering freely all summer[, ].
The plant was formerly cultivated in Mexico for its edible tuber[] (this may be a mistaken entry that should have referred to Oxalis tuberosa. Whilst the root of this plant is edible it is neither productive nor very flavourful. The leaves and the flowers are far superior[]).
This species is closely related to and probably part of Oxalis tetraphylla[], differing only in its sessile bulbils and truncate leaves[].

Edible Uses

Leaves and flowers - raw or cooked[, , ]. A delicious lemony flavour, the leaves are tender and fairly free of fibres even when they get older[]. Both the leaves and the flowers make a very refreshing and thirst-quenching munch in the garden, they also make an excellent flavouring in salads[]. The leaves are available from June to October and the flowers from July to October, or even later in mild autumns[]. Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet.

Root - raw or cooked[, , , , ]. The roots are up to 10cm long and 3cm wide at the top, they are tender and juicy but usually insipid[]. Occasionally the root has a pleasant acid flavour, we have yet to find out what causes the difference[].

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. Our plants have never produced seed.
Division in autumn, harvest the bulbs and replant in the spring. They usually increase very freely.