Oxalis debilis

Species of flowering plant From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Oxalis debilis

Oxalis debilis, the large-flowered pink-sorrel[2] or pink woodsorrel,[1] is a perennial plant and herb in the family Oxalidaceae.[1] Its original distribution is South America but has become a very cosmopolitan species, occurring in all continents except Antarctica. It can be found in both temperate and tropical areas.[3]

Quick Facts Scientific classification, Binomial name ...
Oxalis debilis
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Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Oxalidales
Family: Oxalidaceae
Genus: Oxalis
Species:
O. debilis
Binomial name
Oxalis debilis
Varieties

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The flowers, leaves and roots are edible. There is concern that the plant should only be consumed in small amounts because it contains oxalic acid that can cause calcium deficiency if eaten in larger amounts.[4] Studies show that this is an exaggerated fear.[5] The leaves have what is considered a zesty lemony flavor.

Description

It is a bulbous plant. The fruit is a capsule. The seeds are projected, with an elastic integument. In Europe the plants are sterile and are propagating only by bulbs.[6]

Research on the naturalizing populations in China show the presence of 2 flower morphs, pollen with low viability and polyploidy.[7]

Varieties and cultivation

There are two varieties:

  • Oxalis debilis var. corymbosa (DC.) Lourteig – large-flowered pink-sorrel (Synonym : O. corymbosa)
  • Oxalis debilis var. debilis

'Aureoreticulata' ('aureo-reticulata') has attractive variegated leaves with flowers that are pinkish purple.[3] This cultivar is also named ‘Gold Veined Oxalis’ (Yellow Vein Oxalis) with attractive yellow vein foliage. The symptom is associated with the presence of a begomovirus. This virus, designated OxYVV, is transmitted by the whitefly Bemisia tabaci.[8]

The Royal Horticultural Society advises that it can be a serious weed.[9]

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Puccinia oxalidis on leaves of Oxalis debilis var. corymbosa (Location: Maui, Makawao)

Pests and diseases

Puccinia oxalidis is a fungus species in the genus Puccinia. This species is a causal agent of rust on plants in the genus Oxalis.

See also

References

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