PLANTS

Oxalis

Oxalis triangularis

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A vast genus of small clover-like plants found worldwide, grown as a houseplant for purple shamrock and dreaded as a weed in some species and climates.

Description

Purple shamrock has three deep purple triangular leaves on slender stems that fold up at night. Small pale pink or white flowers appear on long stalks from spring to autumn.

Cultivation

Oxalis grows from small bulbs or rhizomes, going dormant if dried out and reawakening when watered. Indoor purple shamrock prefers bright light and even moisture.

Uses

Popular as an Irish good-luck plant around Saint Patricks Day, purple shamrock is also edible in small amounts (lemony-tart but high in oxalic acid). Many wild oxalis are persistent garden weeds.

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Oxalis starts with O and ends with S. Browse other plants along the same letter.

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