Overview
Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. is a small herbaceous plant with clover-like leaves and tiny yellow flowers. It belongs to the Oxalidaceae family and is native to the Western Cape province of South Africa.
Common Names
Common names for Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. include Multi-gland Wood Sorrel, Cape Sorrel, and Suring.
Appearance
Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. is a small, perennial plant that typically grows up to 10 cm tall. It has clover-like leaves that are usually divided into three heart-shaped leaflets. The leaves are typically green, although some cultivars may have reddish or purple foliage. The plant produces tiny yellow flowers that are about 5 mm in diameter.
Uses
Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. has a range of uses. In traditional South African medicine, the plant is used to treat a variety of ailments, including stomach disorders, coughs, and colds. The plant is also used as a decorative garden plant and is particularly well-suited to rock gardens, borders, and as a groundcover. Because of its attractive foliage and delicate flowers, it is also a popular choice for container gardening.
Growth Conditions of Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond.
Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. is a unique plant with specific growth requirements to thrive and flourish. Here are some of the essential growth conditions:
Light Requirements
The plant requires bright sunlight for optimum growth. It can tolerate partial shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to grow leggy and not produce many flowers. Therefore, it is recommended to place the plant in locations that receive direct sunlight, especially in the morning.
Temperature Requirements
Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. is a warm-loving plant. It thrives in temperatures ranging from 60°F to 80°F (15°C to 27°C). Cold temperatures can make the plant dormant, and extended exposure to frost can kill it.
Soil Requirements
The plant requires well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The ideal soil type for Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. is a slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH ranging from 6 to 7.5. Heavy soils, such as clay, can retain too much moisture, which can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Therefore, it is recommended to add perlite or sand to the soil to improve its drainage.
Watering and Fertilization Requirements
The plant prefers moderate watering with a well-drained soil mix. It is essential to avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water only when the topsoil has dried out between waterings. Fertilizers, particularly those high in potassium, are recommended for the plant, but they should be used sparingly to prevent over-fertilization.
In conclusion, Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. is an easy-to-grow plant that requires specific growing conditions to thrive. Adequate sunlight, warm temperature, well-drained soil, and moderate watering, as well as correct fertilization practices, will keep it healthy and beautiful.
Cultivation Methods
The Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond., commonly known as the Pink Wood Sorrel, is an easy-to-grow plant that is adaptable to different types of soil. It grows best in well-drained, fertile soil that is enriched with organic matter. This plant prefers partial shade, but it can also tolerate full sun, especially in cooler climates.
You can grow Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. from seeds or bulbs. If you are starting from seeds, sow them in late winter or early spring in a seedling tray filled with well-draining potting soil. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and place the tray in a warm, brightly lit spot. Transplant the seedlings when they have grown large enough to handle.
If you are planting bulbs, plant them in the fall or early winter in well-drained, fertile soil. Plant the bulbs deep enough to cover them completely, and water them well.
Watering Needs
Like most plants, the Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. requires regular watering to thrive. Water the plant deeply once a week, or more frequently if the soil is dry to the touch.
Avoid overwatering, as this can cause root rot and other fungal diseases. Allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
Fertilization
To keep the Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. healthy and blooming, fertilize it every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer that is specially formulated for flowering plants.
Avoid fertilizing during the dormant season, which occurs in late fall and winter.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for the Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. However, you can remove dead or diseased leaves and flowers as needed to keep the plant looking tidy.
You can also cut back the entire plant to the ground after it has finished blooming to encourage a bushier growth habit and more flowers the following year.
Propagation of Oxalis Burkei Sond. Var. Multiglandulosa Sond.
Oxalis Burkei Sond. var. Multiglandulosa Sond. can be propagated through various methods such as:
Seeds
The plant produces seeds which can be used to propagate it. The seeds can be collected after flowering and allowed to dry. They can be stored until the next planting season. Sow the seeds in well-prepared soil and keep the soil moist. Germination typically takes 2-3 weeks. Thin the seedlings after they emerge to prevent overcrowding.
Division
Division is one of the easiest and quickest ways to propagate Oxalis Burkei Sond. var. Multiglandulosa Sond. To propagate through division, start by digging up the entire plant. Use a gentle hand to separate the plant into small sections, ensuring that each section has roots. Replant the divided sections in well-prepared soil, ensuring that the soil is kept moist. Division is best done during the plant's dormant period, which is typically during the winter months.
Cuttings
Oxalis Burkei Sond. var. Multiglandulosa Sond. can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Take a cutting from the parent plant, ensuring that it has at least two or three nodes. Remove the leaves from the lower nodes, and dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mix, ensuring that the soil remains moist. Keep the cutting in a shaded area, and ensure that it receives sufficient moisture to help it grow roots.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond.
Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. is a beautiful perennial plant known for its showy pink or white flowers. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to certain pests and diseases. Here are some of the most common issues that might affect your Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. plant and some tips on how to manage them:
Diseases
Fungal diseases: Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. may suffer from different fungal diseases that mainly occur in damp and humid conditions. The most common fungal diseases in this plant are leaf spot, powdery mildew, and root rots. To manage fungal diseases, it is recommended to:
- Remove infected parts of the plant, such as leaves, stems, and flowers, immediately to prevent the spread of the disease.
- Provide good air circulation around the plant.
- Avoid overhead irrigation and keep the plant's foliage dry.
- Use fungicides as a last resort and only if the situation is severe.
Bacterial diseases: Bacterial diseases can cause problems for Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. One of the most common bacterial diseases is bacterial soft rot. To manage bacterial diseases:
- Provide good drainage and avoid overwatering.
- Avoid overcrowding the plant as it can lead to a humid environment and spread of diseases.
- Discard infected plants and soil, and do not replant in the same area.
- Use copper-based fungicides as they can help control bacterial diseases.
Pests
Aphids: These sap-sucking insects are common pests for Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. To manage aphids:
- Spray the plant with a strong stream of water, which can dislodge the aphids.
- Use insecticidal soaps or neem oil to control the infestation.
Caterpillars: Caterpillars can be destructive, and the most common caterpillar found on Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. is the loopers. To manage them:
- Handpick and remove the caterpillars from the plant.
- Use Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) insecticide to control the infestation.
Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that can cause significant damage by sucking plant sap. To manage spider mites:
- Prune heavily infested parts of the plant.
- Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to manage the infestation.
It is important to regularly monitor and inspect your Oxalis burkei Sond. var. multiglandulosa Sond. plant. Early detection of any pest or disease issues can help prevent it from spreading and causing significant damage.
