Description:
Oxalis corniculata L. var. langloisii (Small) Wieg. is a small perennial herb that belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. It is known by several common names, including creeping wood sorrel, procumbent yellow sorrel, and sleeping beauty. The plant is native to a wide range of regions, including Asia, Europe, and North America.
Appearance:
The plant has a prostrate habit and can reach a length of up to 50 cm. It has trifoliate leaves with heart-shaped leaflets that are smooth on the upper surface and slightly hairy on the lower surface. The flowers are small, yellow, and have five petals. The inflorescence is a short raceme located at the end of a peduncle arising from the axil of a leaf. The fruit is a capsule that contains several small, varying in shape seeds.
Uses:
Despite being considered a weed in some areas, Oxalis corniculata L. var. langloisii has been used medicinally for centuries. It has been used to treat a variety of ailments, including fever, inflammation, and diarrhea. The plant contains several chemical compounds such as oxalic, citric, and malic acid. The fresh leaves and stems can also be consumed as a food additive as they add a slightly tangy taste to dishes such as soups and salads.
The plant has also been studied for its antioxidant activity, which may provide potential health benefits to individuals who consume it regularly. Additionally, in traditional Chinese medicine, it is believed that the herb has a cooling effect and can be used to relieve symptoms associated with hot weather or fever.
Light Requirements
Oxalis corniculata L. var. langloisii requires full or partial sunlight to grow. It can tolerate moderate shade, but too much shade can result in stunted growth and reduced flowering.
Temperature Requirements
This plant prefers temperate to warm climates, with average temperatures ranging from 18 to 27°C (64 to 81°F). It can tolerate occasional short periods of extreme heat or cold, but prolonged exposure to temperatures outside of this range can damage or kill the plant.
Soil Requirements
Oxalis corniculata L. var. langloisii prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can tolerate a wide range of soil pH levels, from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. However, the soil should be moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.
Cultivation methods
Oxalis corniculata L. var. langloisii (Small) Wieg. is a low-growing plant that needs full sun to grow properly. You can grow it either in pots or in the ground. If you're planting it in the ground, make sure to enrich the soil with organic matter before planting. Ensure that the soil is well-draining, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot.
If you are planting in a pot, make sure to select a pot with drainage holes to ensure excess water can drain properly. Fill the pot with a good quality potting mix and add a slow-release fertilizer.
Watering needs
Oxalis corniculata requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. Keep the soil moist, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot. Water the plants deeply, allowing the water to reach the roots, rather than just wetting the surface of the soil.
During the dormant season, you can reduce watering to once a week or allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering sessions. Ensure that the pot or soil has proper drainage to prevent waterlogging.
Fertilization
Fertilize the Oxalis corniculata L. var. langloisii (Small) Wieg. plant with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions on the package. Over-fertilization can cause adverse effects on the plant.
If you're growing in the ground, apply a slow-release fertilizer once a month, with a ratio of 10:10:10. If you're growing in a pot, use water-soluble fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
You can pinch back the stems of the young plants to encourage bushy growth. Prune the stems at the end of the growing season to remove any dead or dying foliage.
If the plants are growing leggy, prune back the stems to encourage bushy growth. Pinching back the stems will also help control the size and add fullness to the plant.
When pruning, use clean, sharp pruning shears to prevent damage to the plant. Wipe the blades with rubbing alcohol to sanitize them before use.
Propagation Methods for Oxalis corniculata L. var. langloisii (Small) Wieg.
Oxalis corniculata L. var. langloisii (Small) Wieg., commonly known as creeping wood sorrel or procumbent yellow-sorrel, is a perennial herb in the family Oxalidaceae. Propagation of this plant can be achieved through different methods:
Division
Division is the most common method of propagating Oxalis corniculata L. var. langloisii. This technique involves separating and replanting the individual offshoots or sections of the plant. To do this, gently loosen the soil around the parent plant and carefully lift out the individual sections without damaging the roots. Then, replant each section in a pot or directly in the soil at a spacing of about 10 cm apart. Water thoroughly and keep the soil moist until new growth starts to show.
Cuttings
Oxalis corniculata L. var. langloisii can also be propagated from stem cuttings taken from the parent plant. To do this, select a healthy stem and cut it just below the node using a clean and sharp pair of scissors. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end into hormone rooting powder before planting it in a pot filled with potting soil. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm and bright location, but out of direct sunlight. After a few weeks, new growth should appear on the cutting, indicating that it has developed roots.
Seed Propagation
Propagation of Oxalis corniculata L. var. langloisii from seeds is also possible, but this method is less common. Seeds can be sown in pots filled with potting soil and kept in a warm and bright location. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water thoroughly. Keep the soil moist and wait for the seeds to germinate. Once the seedlings have grown big enough, transplant them to their final location.
Propagation of Oxalis corniculata L. var. langloisii through division and cuttings is more reliable and faster than seed propagation. Regardless of the method chosen, make sure that you use clean and sterilized tools to prevent spreading diseases from diseased plants to healthy ones.
Disease Management
Common diseases that might affect Oxalis corniculata L. var. langloisii include:
- Anthracnose: a fungal disease that causes circular spots on leaves, stems, and pods. The spots are usually brown or black and may have a reddish border. Control measures include removing infected plant material, watering at ground level, and applying fungicides.
- Sclerotium rot: a fungal disease that leads to the rotting of the roots and wilting of the plant. The disease favors warm and moist conditions. Control measures include removing infected plant material, planting disease-free seeds, and improving air circulation to prevent damp conditions.
- Rust: a fungal disease that causes yellow and brown spots on the leaves. It is prevalent during humid weather and can spread quickly through wind or water. Control measures include removing infected plant material, applying fungicides, and improving air circulation to prevent moist conditions.
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to plant diseases. Maintaining healthy plants, good sanitation practices, and improving growing conditions can help reduce the chances of disease attack. Crop rotation and removing infected plant parts can also help reduce the spread of disease.
Pest Management
Common pests that might affect Oxalis corniculata L. var. langloisii include:
- Cutworms: the larvae of nocturnal moths which cut seedlings at ground level. Control measures include handpicking and using biological control agents such as nematodes and parasitic wasps.
- Aphids: tiny insects that cluster on leaves and feed on plant sap. They can cause yellowing of leaves and stunt growth. Control measures include washing them off with a jet of water, using insecticidal soaps, and introducing predatory insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings.
- Spider mites: tiny arachnids that spin webs around leaves and cause them to yellow and fall off. Control measures include spraying with water to improve humidity, applying miticides, and introducing predatory mites such as Phytoseiulus persimilis.
Regular monitoring of plants can help detect pest infestations early and prevent them from spreading. Promoting biodiversity by planting companion plants can help attract beneficial insects that feed on pests. Using sticky traps and physical barriers, such as row covers, can also help reduce pest damage.
