Common Name:

General Information

Oxalis latifolia is an erect perennial plant producing clusters of leaves up to 30cm tall from a bulb. The plant usually spreads rapidly by means of underground stolons up to 10cm long, with up to 30 new bulbs being formed at the end of each stolon. Each bulb can produce a new cluster of leaves, the plant quickly producing carpets of leaves growing directly from the bulbs. In some forms, usually growing in the temperate zone, the plant does not produce stolons, the new bulbs being formed near the base of the bulb[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food. It is often grown as an ornamental where, at least in the tropics, it can be used as a ground cover.
Oxalis latifolia is listed as a weed in at least 37 countries and in at least 30 crops. It is a major weed in India, New Zealand, Australia, South Africa and Uganda, particularly in cassava, maize, upland rice, tea, potato, coffee, cereals, sugarcane, orchards and vegetables. It can achieve dominance under certain intensive cultivation systems which remove other competing weeds, and spread of bulbs. It is of undisputed importance in horticultural nurseries where it may infest the produce sold and lead to loss of reputation and occasionally to business closure[].

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

S. America - Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela;, through Mesoamerica to southwestern N. America (Mexico, California to Texas; Caribbean

Habitat

Moist, shady conditions[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.25 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Oxalis latifolia is a plant of the humid tropics, especially at higher elevations (up to 3,000 metres in Colombia), and also of the subtropics; it has also spread as a weed into warmer areas of the temperate zone[].

Edible Uses

Leaves and stems are eaten as a vegetable or made into tea in Mexico[]. An acid flavour[]. The leaves are pickled[].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

The plant can be used as a ground cover in moist, shady places[].

Other Uses

The root is mixed with natural dyes in order to make the colour fast[].

Propagation

Seed -