Description of Oxalis corniculata L. var. atropurpurea Planch.
Oxalis corniculata L. var. atropurpurea Planch. is a small flowering plant belonging to the family Oxalidaceae. It is a variety of the Oxalis corniculata species and is commonly known as Purple Wood Sorrel.
Origin
Purple Wood Sorrel is native to many parts of the world, including Africa, Australia, Asia, and Europe. It is commonly found in gardens, lawns, and roadsides in many areas of the United States.
Common Names
Purple Wood Sorrel goes by many common names around the world, including Creeping Wood Sorrel, Sleeping Beauty, and Cuckoo's Meat.
Uses
Purple Wood Sorrel has many medicinal uses. It has been used traditionally to treat various ailments such as fever, stomach aches, and diarrhea. It has also been used as a diuretic and to help treat liver disorders.
In addition, Purple Wood Sorrel can be used in a variety of culinary creations. Its leaves are edible and can add a tangy flavor to salads, soups, and stews.
General Appearance
Purple Wood Sorrel is a small plant that typically grows to be around 10-30 cm tall. It has small purple flowers that bloom in the summer. Its leaves are trifoliate, meaning they are made up of three heart-shaped leaflets. The leaves are usually green with a purplish tinge, which becomes more pronounced in bright light.
Overall, Oxalis corniculata L. var. atropurpurea Planch. is a beautiful and useful plant that should be cherished and respected.
Light Requirements
Oxalis corniculata L. var. atropurpurea Planch. prefers full sunlight to partial shade. It requires at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight to grow and flower properly. However, excessive sunlight can damage the leaves and stems, so it is best to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers warm temperatures and cannot tolerate frost. The ideal temperature for growth is between 15 to 25°C. If the temperature drops below 10°C, the plant may start to die back. In hotter temperatures, it may require more frequent watering.
Soil Requirements
Oxalis corniculata L. var. atropurpurea Planch. thrives in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil can range between 5.5 to 6.5. However, it can still tolerate slightly alkaline or acidic soils. It can grow in sandy, loamy or clay soil, but it prefers a mixture of all three types. It is also important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged, as this can cause root rot and kill the plant.
Cultivation Methods:
Oxalis corniculata L. var. atropurpurea Planch., also known as Purple Oxalis, is a small herbaceous plant that is easy to cultivate. It can be grown both indoors and outdoors, in pots or in the ground. The plant prefers partial shade and well-draining medium. It can grow in a variety of soil types, including sandy, loamy, and clayey soil. The optimal temperature range for the plant is between 15°C to 25°C.
Watering Needs:
Purple Oxalis requires moderate watering. Overwatering can cause root rot, while underwatering can make the leaves wilt and dry up. The soil should be kept slightly moist but not soggy. The frequency of watering depends on the humidity, temperature, and soil type. The plant needs more frequent watering during the summer months and less during the winter months. It is best to check the soil moisture level before watering the plant.
Fertilization:
Purple Oxalis does not require heavy fertilization. A balanced, all-purpose fertilizer can be applied once a month during the growing season (spring and summer). Overfertilization can cause salt buildup in the soil, leading to burning of the plant's roots. It is essential to follow the instructions on the fertilizer package and avoid applying it directly to the plant's leaves.
Pruning:
Pruning of Purple Oxalis plant is not necessary. However, if the plant becomes leggy or overcrowded, it can be pruned to promote bushier growth. The pruning should be done during the growing season, and the plant should be cut back to a third its height. The pruning can be done with a pair of clean and sharp garden scissors or pruning shears. The plant can also be deadheaded to encourage new blooms.
Propagation of Oxalis corniculata L. var. atropurpurea Planch.
Oxalis corniculata L. var. atropurpurea Planch. can be propagated through two primary methods - division and seeds. Both methods are quite simple and do not require any specialized tools.
Propagation through Division
Propagation of Oxalis corniculata L. var. atropurpurea Planch. through division involves separating a part of the plant, usually the rhizomes, into smaller pieces for planting. This process is best done in spring when the plant comes out of dormancy. For best results, follow these steps:
- Carefully dig up the plant and remove the soil from around the roots.
- Using a sharp, sterilized knife, separate the rhizomes or tubers into sections. Each section should have at least two to three healthy buds or growing points.
- Dust the cut surfaces with powdered sulfur to prevent rotting.
- Plant the sections in a well-draining potting mix or directly into the garden bed at a depth of 1-2 inches, keeping the growing points facing upwards.
- Water thoroughly and keep the soil slightly moist until new growth appears.
Propagation through Seeds
Propagation of Oxalis corniculata L. var. atropurpurea Planch. through seeds is an easy way to produce multiple plants. Collect mature seeds from the plant in autumn and follow these steps:
- Clean the seeds to remove any debris, and let them dry for a few days.
- Sow the seeds in a well-draining potting mix or directly into the garden bed, covering them lightly with soil.
- Keep the soil moist, but not overly wet, until germination occurs. This may take 2-3 weeks.
- Once the seedlings have a few sets of true leaves, transplant them into individual pots or the garden bed.
Propagation by cuttings is not recommended for this plant, as it can be difficult to root.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxalis corniculata L. var. atropurpurea Planch.
Oxalis corniculata L. var. atropurpurea Planch. is a plant species that belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. This plant is commonly known as creeping woodsorrel and is known for its attractive, bright green foliage as well as its purple flowers.
Common Pests
Some common pests that might affect the Oxalis corniculata L. var. atropurpurea Planch. plant include:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can be found on the leaves and stems of the plant. They feed on plant sap and can cause leaves to yellow or curl. To manage aphids, you can spray the plant with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: These tiny pests are hard to see with the naked eye and can appear as small specks on the plant's leaves. They feed on plant sap, which can lead to stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage spider mites, you can spray the plant with a mixture of water and dish soap or neem oil.
- Slugs and snails: These mollusks love to feast on the leaves of Oxalis corniculata L. var. atropurpurea Planch. To manage slugs and snails, you can create physical barriers around the plant using copper tape or diatomaceous earth.
Common Diseases
Some common diseases that might affect the Oxalis corniculata L. var. atropurpurea Planch. plant include:
- Anthracnose: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on the plant's leaves and stems. To manage anthracnose, you can remove infected plant parts and apply fungicide to the plant.
- Botrytis blight: This fungal disease can cause spots on the plant's leaves and flowers. To manage botrytis blight, you can remove infected plant parts and apply fungicide to the plant.
- Root rot: This fungal disease can cause the plant's roots to rot, which can lead to wilting and eventual death of the plant. To manage root rot, you can improve soil drainage and reduce watering.
By being vigilant and monitoring your Oxalis corniculata L. var. atropurpurea Planch. plant regularly, you can prevent and manage both pests and diseases effectively. Proper care, such as providing adequate sunlight, water, and nutrients, can also help to keep the plant healthy and less susceptible to pest infestations and disease.
