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Oxalis articulata

Scientific Name: Oxalis articulata

Family: Oxalidaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Oxalis articulata: Pink-Sorrel

Oxalis articulata, commonly known as pink-sorrel or windowbox wood-sorrel, is a charming plant species originating from South America. It's a perennial herb appreciated for its delicate flowers and attractive foliage.

Considerations for Pets

  • The leaves have a clover-leaf shape.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Oxalis articulata Savigny
  • Common Names: Pink-sorrel, pink wood sorrel, windowbox wood-sorrel, bent wood-sorrel, pink oxalis
  • Family: Oxalidaceae (Wood-sorrel family)
  • Synonyms:
    • Oxalis floribunda Lehm.
    • Oxalis purpurata Jacq.
    • Oxalis floribunda auct. non Lehm.
    • Oxalis rosea auct.
    • Oxalis semiloba auct.
    • Acetosella articulata (Savigny) Kuntze
  • Subspecies: Oxalis articulata ssp. rubra (St.Hil.) Lteig.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Native to South America, specifically southeastern Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina.
  • Naturalized in many parts of the world, including Europe (where it has been introduced in gardens), Portugal (Flores and Graciosa Islands), and parts of the United States (California as a non-native).
  • Often found in disturbed areas, waste ground, roadsides, and seashores, typically associated with past cultivation.

Ecological Role

  • Some sources note its invasiveness, indicating it can spread from cultivation and become naturalized in the wild. However, some claim it is not invasive.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • It is a perennial plant growing to a height of approximately 0.2 meters (0ft 8in) and a width of 0.1 meters (0ft 4in).
  • Flowering occurs from June to October.
  • It features rhizomatous growth, with rhizomes described as short, thick, and fleshy.
  • Leaves are 3-foliolate, forming basal rosettes. Leaflets are heart-shaped and may have orange or brownish dots (tubercles).
  • Some varieties have green, gold, or burgundy leaves.
  • Plant can be hairy.

Quirky Facts

  • One source claims the plant flowers virtually non-stop and that the flowers are good for picking.

Further Information

  • Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) database.
  • Encyclopedia of Life.
  • Tropicos database.
  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society).