Common Name:

General Information

Oxalis lasiandra is a perennial plant that can grow up to 0.30 metres tall
Often grown as an ornamental, the plant produces edible leaves and flowers.

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 - southern Mexico (Oaxaca)

Habitat

Not known

Properties

Habit	Perennial
Height	0.30 m
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Oxalis lasiandra is often listed as only being hardy to zone 9 (able to tolerate short periods with temperatures falling to around -4°c. We have grown it for a number of years at our site in southwest England (hardyness zone 8) and have heard reportd from other growers in zone 7 who have never had problems with it surviving the winter.

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooed. An acid flavour[].

Flowers - raw or cooed. An acid flavour[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed -