Closely related to Oxalis deppei, which is included in this species by many botanists[].

Common Name:

General Information

Oxalis tetraphylla is a perennial plant growing about 15cm tall and spreading by means of a running rootstock to form quite large clumps.
The plant is gathered from the wild for its edible leaves and flowers, which are consumed locally.
This species has escaped from cultivation and become naturalized in many areas of the tropics.

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

Habitat

A weed of cultivated soil in Jersey[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Oxalis tetraphylla is not very cold-hardy, tolerating short periods with temperatures falling to between -5 and -10°c[].
A very easily grown plant, preferring a sandy soil in a warm dry position[]. Our plants have proved to be very tolerant of neglect, succeeding for a number of years even in the dense growth of grass weeds[]. When well-tended, clumps can spread quite quickly[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - raw or cooked[, ]. A pleasant acid flavour, though a little fibrous[]. Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet.

Flowers - raw[]. A delightful acid flavour, they make an attractive addition to the salad bowl and are especially relished by children[].

Root - cooked[]. Starchy but of poor quality[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Agroforestry Uses:

Ground cover[]. The plants are dormant for about 5 months of the year, but grow so densely in the summer that they make an effective ground cover in full sun or light shade[].

Other Uses

Ground cover[]. The plants are dormant for about 5 months of the year, but grow so densly in the summer that they make an effective ground cover in full sun or light shade[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is 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.