Overview of Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter is a plant that belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. It is a native of South Africa, but it has been introduced to other parts of the world.
Common Names of Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter is commonly known as Mountain Oxalis or the Wild Sorrel. Its other common names include Cape Sorrel, Soursob, and Khaki Weed.
Description of Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter
The plant has distinctive trifoliate leaves with a clover-like appearance. The leaves are green in color, and the leaflets are heart-shaped. The flowers have 5 petals and are typically pink or white in color. The plant forms a rhizome, which allows the plant to spread out and grow in dense clusters. The plant grows up to a height of 30cm.
Uses of Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter
The plant has a few medicinal uses. It can be used to treat certain types of skin infections and to relieve pain. The leaves of the plant are edible and can be used in salads or as a garnish. The plant is also used as a natural dye because of its pink or white flowers.
Growth conditions for Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. It is also commonly known as the mountain oxalis. This species is endemic to South Africa, where it is found growing in rocky areas, grasslands, and on stony slopes in montane and sub-alpine regions.
Light requirements
The mountain oxalis prefers growing in areas with full sunlight exposure throughout the day. This plant cannot tolerate heavy shade, as it may lead to a stunted growth. It is, therefore, advisable to choose a planting site that receives direct sunlight exposure for at least six hours.
Temperature requirements
The optimal temperature range for growth of mountain oxalis is between 10°C and 25°C. However, it can tolerate temperatures up to 30°C. During winter, the plant goes dormant and can withstand freezing temperatures. The plant can grow, but slowly, during the summer months of high temperatures.
Soil requirements
The mountain oxalis prefers well-draining soil with high organic matter content. The ideal pH range is from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. The plant does not tolerate waterlogged soils and must not be allowed to stand in water. If grown in containers, a mixture of peat moss, vermiculite, and sand provides the required soil drainage condition.
Furthermore, the soil must also be rich in essential minerals such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is suggested that a slow-release fertilizer be added to the soil before planting or during spring to satisfy the plant's nutrient requirements.
Cultivation Methods
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter is native to South Africa and thrives in areas with a Mediterranean climate. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, depending on the climate. If growing outdoors, it should ideally be planted in well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Planting should be done when the soil temperature is relatively warm, between 10 and 15 degrees Celsius, either in spring or fall.
If growing indoors, it is best to plant in a container with a drainage hole and well-draining soil. The container should be kept in an area with bright but indirect sunlight and good air circulation.
Watering Needs
The watering requirements of Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter depend on the climate and the growing conditions. If growing indoors, it should be watered when the top layer of soil is dry to the touch. Outdoor plants also require watering when the soil becomes dry, but the frequency of watering will depend on the climate.
In general, it is best to water deeply but infrequently rather than shallowly and frequently. Overwatering can cause root rot and other issues, so be mindful of the plant's needs and adjust watering accordingly.
Fertilization
To promote healthy growth and development, Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter should be fertilized regularly. A balanced, slow-release fertilizer can be applied once every two months. Alternatively, a liquid fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season.
It is important not to over-fertilize, as this can cause unwanted growth and other issues. Always follow the instructions on the fertilizer packaging, and adjust accordingly based on the plant's response.
Pruning
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter does not require extensive pruning. However, trimming back leggy or overgrown stems can promote bushier growth and a more compact shape. Pruning should be done in the spring or fall, and any damaged or dead leaves and stems should be removed as soon as possible to prevent disease and pests.
Propagation of Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter, commonly known as the mountain oxalis, is a small plant species native to South Africa. This plant is popular for its attractive foliage and can be easily propagated through various methods.
Division
Division is the easiest and most common way of propagating Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter. This method involves dividing the plant clumps into small sections and planting them in new pots or garden beds.
To propagate Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter through division, follow these steps:
- Remove the plant from its pot or garden bed carefully
- Divide the clumps into smaller sections with a clean and sharp knife
- Plant each section in a new pot or garden bed with appropriate soil and water it thoroughly
Seed Propagation
Seed propagation is another way of propagating Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter. Collect seed pods from the plant and let them dry in a cool, dry place. Once the seed pods are dry, open them and remove the seeds.
To propagate Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter through seed propagation, follow these steps:
- Sow the seeds in a seed tray or pot filled with well-drained soil
- Water the seeds thoroughly and place the tray or pot in a warm and sunny location
- Keep the soil moist and within 3-4 weeks, the seeds will germinate
- Once the seedlings are big enough, transplant them to their permanent positions in pots or garden beds
Leaf Cuttings
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter can also be propagated through leaf cuttings. This method is a bit more complicated than seed or division propagation, but it is effective.
To propagate Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter through leaf cuttings, follow these steps:
- Take a healthy leaf from the plant, ensuring that it has a small stem attached to it
- Insert the stem of the leaf cutting about 2-3 cm deep into a pot filled with well-drained soil
- Water the soil and cover the pot with a plastic bag or a clear plastic lid to retain moisture
- Place the pot in a warm and bright location, but not in direct sunlight
- Within a few weeks, the leaf cutting will develop roots and new growth
Disease Management
Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to fungal diseases such as rust, powdery mildew, and leaf spot. To manage these diseases, it is important to maintain good plant hygiene and reduce the likelihood of infection. This can be done by:
- Watering the plant at the base rather than from above to avoid wetting foliage
- Removing any infected leaves as soon as they appear to prevent the spread of spores
- Mulching around the base of the plant to prevent soil-borne pathogens from splashing onto foliage
- Applying fungicides containing chlorothalonil or copper sulphate if necessary
If the plant is severely infected or if the disease persists despite these measures, it may be necessary to remove the plant entirely and dispose of it to prevent further spread.
Pest Management
There are several pests that can affect Oxalis commutata Sond. var. montana T.M.Salter, including aphids, spider mites, and slugs. These pests can cause damage to the plant's foliage and flowers, and may also transmit diseases.
To manage these pests, it is important to monitor the plant regularly for signs of infestation, such as yellowing or wilting leaves. In addition, the following measures can be taken:
- Manual removal of pests by handpicking them off the plant or spraying them off with water
- Applying insecticidal soap or neem oil to control aphids and spider mites
- Placing slug traps or copper tape around the base of the plant to prevent slugs from accessing it
- Using natural predators such as ladybugs or lacewings to control aphids
It is important to avoid using chemical pesticides as they can harm beneficial insects and may not effectively control the pests in question.
