Overview
Oxalis comosa E.Mey. ex Sond., also referred to as the curly oxalis or the frizzled oxalis, is a flowering plant species in the family Oxalidaceae. It is native to South Africa and was first described by South African botanist Charles William L. Pappe in 1838. The plant is known for its unique appearance and is popular as an ornamental plant in gardens and landscapes.
Appearance
The curly oxalis is a low-growing herbaceous perennial plant that typically grows up to 6 inches in height and spreads up to 12 inches wide. It has trefoil-shaped leaves that are green and slightly hairy. The leaves emerge from a basal rosette and are curly or frizzled at the edges. The plant produces small, pink or white flowers that bloom in spring and summer.
Common Names
The curly oxalis is known by several common names, including frizzled oxalis, curly woodsorrel, and curly sorrel. The name "oxalis" is derived from the Greek word "oxys," which means "sour," reflecting the plant's sour taste due to the presence of oxalic acid in its leaves.
Uses
The curly oxalis is popular as an ornamental plant due to its unique appearance and is often grown as a ground cover in gardens and landscapes. The plant prefers well-drained soils and partial to full sunlight. It is tolerant of drought and is easy to propagate by division or from stem cuttings. Although the plant has no significant medicinal or culinary uses, some people consume the plant in small quantities, believing it to have health benefits due to its high vitamin C content.
Light Requirements
Oxalis comosa E.Mey. ex Sond. requires bright but indirect light to grow well. Direct sunlight may burn the leaves, so it is best to provide filtered light or a spot by a north-facing window.
Temperature Requirements
This plant species prefers temperatures between 60°F to 75°F (15°C to 24°C). It can tolerate temperatures as low as 50°F (10°C) and as high as 85°F (30°C) but will not grow optimally outside of the preferred range.
Soil Requirements
Oxalis comosa E.Mey. ex Sond. prefers a well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be in the range of 6.0 to 7.0. This species prefers slightly moist soil but can handle brief periods of dryness. It is recommended to avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Cultivation methods
Oxalis comosa E.Mey. ex Sond. is a perennial plant that grows best in well-drained soil that has moderate fertility. The plant prefers partial shade and can tolerate full sun in cooler climates. Planting should be done during the spring season, and the depth of planting should be similar to that of the container it was grown in. It is important to provide enough space between the plants as overcrowding can lead to issues with growth and vigor.
Watering needs
Oxalis comosa E.Mey. ex Sond. requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot and other issues. Watering should be reduced during the winter months when the plant is in dormancy.
Fertilization
Oxalis comosa E.Mey. ex Sond. requires moderate fertilization. A balanced fertilizer with equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium should be used. Fertilization should be done during the growing season, and the frequency should be reduced during the winter months when the plant is in dormancy. Applying fertilizer too often can lead to issues with growth and vigor.
Pruning
Pruning is necessary for Oxalis comosa E.Mey. ex Sond. to maintain its shape and size. Pruning should be done during the growing season, and the plant should be trimmed to remove any dead or damaged leaves. It is important to avoid over-pruning the plant as this can lead to issues with growth and vigor. Pruning should be done with sharp and clean tools to prevent any damage or diseases from spreading from one plant to another.
Propagation of Oxalis comosa E.Mey. ex Sond.
Oxalis comosa E.Mey. ex Sond., also known as the hairy wood sorrel, is a perennial plant that can be propagated through various methods. Here are some of the propagation techniques that can be used to grow new plants:
Division
Division is the most common method used to propagate Oxalis comosa. It involves separating the plant's clumps into smaller sections that can be replanted. This method is most successful when done during the plant's dormant period, which is in fall or early spring.
To propagate the plant through division, carefully dig up the clumps and separate them into smaller sections. Be sure to keep some roots attached to each section. Replant the new sections in a well-draining soil mixture and water them regularly until they establish roots.
Seeds
Oxalis comosa can also be propagated through seeds. The plant produces small, black seeds that can be collected when mature. To propagate the plant through seeds, sow them directly into a well-draining soil mixture.
Keep the soil moist and in a warm, bright location. Seeds should germinate within 2-3 weeks. It is important to note that not all seeds may germinate, and the resulting plants may not exhibit characteristics similar to the parent plant.
Cuttings
Oxalis comosa can also be propagated through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem that is free of disease and damage. Cut a 4-6 inch section of stem just below a leaf node. Remove the lower leaves from the stem and dip the cut end into a rooting hormone.
Plant the cutting in a well-draining soil mixture and keep the soil moist. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to retain moisture and place it in a bright, warm location. Roots should develop within a few weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted once it establishes itself.
With these propagation techniques, you can easily grow new Oxalis comosa plants and enjoy their delicate flowers and foliage in your garden or home.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxalis Comosa
Oxalis comosa E.Mey. ex Sond. is a beautiful plant that can be challenging to maintain in pristine condition due to various pest and disease issues. To keep your plant healthy and robust, you need to be proactive in managing these issues. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect your Oxalis comosa E.Mey. ex Sond. and some ways to manage them.
Common Diseases
Root Rot: This disease is caused by overwatering or poorly drained soil. Symptoms include yellowing leaves, wilting, and stunted growth. To manage root rot, remove the affected plant from the pot, trim the roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil.
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease appears as a powdery white substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers. Prevent powdery mildew by providing good air circulation and avoiding over-fertilization. If the infection occurs, remove the infected plant parts and treat with a fungicide according to instructions.
Common Pests
Spider Mites: These tiny pests can do significant damage by sucking the sap out of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and become dry. To prevent spider mites, keep the humidity levels high and mist the plant regularly. If the infestation occurs, wash the plant with soapy water or treat with a miticide.
Mealybugs: These small white or gray insects look like cotton and prefer to live in the nooks and crannies of your plant. They suck the sap from the leaves and cause damage similar to that of spider mites. To prevent mealybugs, inspect your plant regularly and remove any infested parts. You can also treat with insecticidal soap or alcohol.
By actively monitoring your Oxalis comosa E.Mey. ex Sond. and addressing any pest or disease issues promptly, you can keep your plant healthy and vibrant for years to come.
