Description of Oxalis corniculata L. var. radicosa (A.Rich.) Roti Mich.
Oxalis corniculata L. var. radicosa (A.Rich.) Roti Mich. is a perennial plant that belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. It is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the world such as Africa, Asia, and South America. This plant has various common names such as creeping wood sorrel, yellow wood sorrel, sleeping beauty, and procumbent yellow sorrel.
General Appearance of Oxalis corniculata L. var. radicosa (A.Rich.) Roti Mich.
The plant has a creeping habit with long, thin, and creeping stems that can root at the nodes. The leaves of Oxalis corniculata L. var. radicosa (A.Rich.) Roti Mich. are trifoliate with heart-shaped leaflets that are hairless. It has small yellow flowers with five petals that bloom throughout the year. The fruit of this plant is a capsule that when ripe, splits open and releases several seeds.
Uses of Oxalis corniculata L. var. radicosa (A.Rich.) Roti Mich.
Oxalis corniculata L. var. radicosa (A.Rich.) Roti Mich. is known for its medicinal properties and has been used in traditional medicine for centuries. It has been used to treat a variety of ailments such as fever, sore throat, skin diseases, and digestive disorders. Additionally, the leaves and stems of this plant are edible and can be consumed raw or cooked.
Furthermore, Oxalis corniculata L. var. radicosa (A.Rich.) Roti Mich. is commonly used in landscaping as a ground cover or as an ornamental plant due to its attractive foliage and bright yellow flowers. However, it can be invasive in some areas and can quickly spread out of control. It is essential to keep the plant in check if grown in a garden or landscape.
Light Requirements
Oxalis corniculata L. var. radicosa (A.Rich.) Roti Mich. prefers to grow in partial to full sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but plants grown in too much shade may become leggy and produce fewer flowers.
Temperature Requirements
This plant is adaptable to a wide range of temperatures, but it typically thrives in warm to hot climates. It can be grown throughout the year, but it grows most vigorously in temperatures between 15°C and 25°C. During winter, the plant may become dormant in colder temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Oxalis corniculata L. var. radicosa (A.Rich.) Roti Mich. grows best in well-draining soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. The soil should be kept consistently moist, but not waterlogged, as the plant is prone to root rot in waterlogged soils. Fertile soils with plenty of organic matter are ideal for the plant's growth and development.
Cultivation Methods
Oxalis corniculata L. var. radicosa (A.Rich.) Roti Mich. grows well in well-draining soil and a sunny spot or a partially shaded area. This plant adapts well to dry soil conditions, making it an easy-care addition to any garden or container.
Propagation of this plant can be through seed germination or division of the rhizomes. If propagated through seed germination, the best time to sow the seeds is in the spring. Transplanting should be done when the seedlings are big enough to handle.
Watering Needs
Watering should be done when the soil is dry to touch. This plant prefers moist soil during the growing season but can tolerate slightly drier soil conditions in the resting period. Overwatering can cause root rot and other fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Oxalis corniculata L. var. radicosa (A.Rich.) Roti Mich. is not a heavy feeder. Fertilization should be done with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Avoid fertilizing during the resting period.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for this plant. However, removing dead or damaged leaves can improve the appearance of the plant. If the plant has become too leggy or sparse, cutting it back to encourage new growth may be done during the growing season.
Propagation of Oxalis corniculata L. var. radicosa (A.Rich.) Roti Mich.
Oxalis corniculata L. var. radicosa (A.Rich.) Roti Mich. can be propagated by various methods. The plant is known to produce seed capsules and runners, which are the two most common methods of propagation.
Propagation by Seed
Propagation by seed is a simple and effective method of starting new Oxalis corniculata L. var. radicosa (A.Rich.) Roti Mich. plants. The seeds need to be sown in a well-draining potting mix and kept moist. It is best to sow the seeds in early spring and cover them with a light layer of soil. The seedlings will emerge within a week or two and can be transplanted once they have produced a few leaves.
Propagation by Runners
Propagation by runners is another popular method of propagating Oxalis corniculata L. var. radicosa (A.Rich.) Roti Mich. plants. The runners emerge from the base of the plant and produce new plants when they come in contact with the soil. The runners should be cut away from the parent plant once they have produced their own set of leaves and planted in a potting mix. The new plants will establish themselves quickly and start producing their own runners.
Disease Management for Oxalis corniculata
Like most plants, Oxalis corniculata can fall prey to diseases that can negatively affect their growth and production. Disease management is essential to keep the plant healthy and yield a good harvest. Some common diseases that can affect Oxalis corniculata L. var. radicosa (A.Rich.) Roti Mich include:
Bacterial Blight
Bacterial blight is caused by Xanthomonas oxalidis bacteria that thrive in damp conditions. When infected, black spots appear on the leaves, which eventually turn yellow, wilt, and die. To manage bacterial blight:
- Remove and destroy infected plants as soon as possible.
- Take care not to overwater the plant.
- Use clean garden tools to avoid spreading the bacteria.
- Spray fungicide containing copper or brass twice a week to control spread.
Root Rot
Root rot is caused by soil-borne fungi like Pythium and Phytophthora. The fungus thrives in waterlogged and poorly-drained soil. Symptoms of root rot include yellowed leaves, stunted growth, and wilting. To manage root rot:
- Remove and destroy infected plants and soil.
- Avoid overwatering and ensure proper drainage in the garden.
- Apply fungicide to the plant based on manufacturer's instructions.
- Avoid planting in areas where other plants have suffered root rot.
Pest Management for Oxalis corniculata
Oxalis corniculata can also be affected by various pests, which can damage the plant and affect its growth. Effective pest management is essential to protect the plant from these pests. Some common pests that can affect Oxalis corniculata L. var. radicosa (A.Rich.) Roti Mich include:
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny insects that suck sap from the leaves and stems, causing yellowing, webbing, and stunted growth. To manage spider mites:
- Spray the plant with a forceful jet of water to dislodge spider mites.
- Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to control the mites.
- Maintain a balanced level of humidity in the garden.
Whiteflies
Whiteflies are small, winged insects that suck sap from the leaves, causing them to yellow and eventually die. To control a whitefly infestation:
- Introduce natural predators of whiteflies such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
- Spray the plant with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
- Place yellow sticky traps around the plant to trap adult whiteflies.
- Remove severely infected plants and destroy them to prevent the spread of whiteflies.
