Overview
Oxalis corniculata L., commonly known as Yellow Wood Sorrel or Creeping Oxalis, is a flowering plant that belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. It is a herbaceous, perennial weed found in many parts of the world.
Origin and Distribution
Yellow Wood Sorrel is native to Europe but is now found in various parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and the Americas. It is often considered an invasive species due to its ability to spread rapidly and dominate areas of disturbance.
Common Names
Yellow Wood Sorrel has several common names, including Creeping Oxalis, Procumbent Yellow Sorrel, Sleeping Beauty, and Lemon Clover. In some countries, it is also known as Sourgrass or Bermuda Buttercup.
General Appearance
The plant has thin, spreading stems that can grow up to 50 cm long. The leaves are trifoliate, with each leaflet being heart-shaped with notched tips. The flowers are yellow and trumpet-shaped, with five petals that are about 1 cm long. The fruit produced is a capsule with seeds that can remain dormant for years, making it difficult to control the spread of the plant.
Uses
Yellow Wood Sorrel has several medicinal uses and is used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments, including fever, diarrhea, and skin infections. It is also used as an ingredient in salads and as a garnish due to its sour taste. However, caution must be taken when consuming the plant in large quantities as it contains oxalic acid, which can be toxic in high concentrations.
Light Requirements
Oxalis corniculata L. grows best in bright, indirect sunlight. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the plant to become leggy and the leaves to lose their color.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for Oxalis corniculata L. is between 60 and 75°F (15 and 24°C). Temperatures below 50°F (10°C) can damage the plant, and temperatures above 85°F (29°C) can cause the plant to grow poorly and wilt.
Soil Requirements
Oxalis corniculata L. prefers well-draining, moist soil with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter and nutrients. The plant can tolerate a range of soil types, from sandy to clayey, as long as the soil is not waterlogged.
Cultivation Methods:
Oxalis corniculata L. is an easy-to-cultivate plant, and it can grow either indoors or outdoors. For indoor planting, it is advised to keep the plant near a windowsill, as it thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. Outdoor planting is best during the summer months, and it should be planted in well-draining soil.
Watering Needs:
Over-watering or under-watering can damage the plant. To keep the soil moist, water it only when the topsoil is dry. During the summer, it is advised to water the plant more frequently as the soil may dry out quickly. In winters, watering once every 10-12 days is advised, as the plant's growth slows down during this season.
Fertilization:
Using fertilizer is essential for the proper growth of Oxalis corniculata L. During the growing season, add a balanced liquid fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 NPK fertilizer, once every two weeks. Watering the plant before application helps the nutrients to reach the roots. Alternatively, one can use a slow-release fertilizer in spring when the plant begins to grow, as it slowly releases nutrients over time.
Pruning:
Deadheading the plant regularly is necessary to encourage blooming and prevent it from becoming too leggy. As soon as the flowers begin to wilt and fade away, snip off the blooms close to the base. Moreover, if the plant is becoming too large for its location, trimming back the leaves will help to control its size.
Propagation of Oxalis corniculata L.
Oxalis corniculata L. is a popular ornamental plant that's been widely cultivated in gardens and households worldwide. The plant is easily propagated via seeds, stem cuttings, and division of root clumps.
Propagation Through Seeds
Propagation through seeds is one of the easiest ways to propagate Oxalis corniculata L. The seeds are readily available, easily sown, and produce seedlings that are just as vigorous as the parent plants. The seeds can be sown either indoors or outdoors, depending on the preference of the grower.
When sowing indoors, fill a pot or container with moist soil, sow the seeds at a depth of 1-2cm, and then cover lightly with soil. Keep the pot moist and place it in an area that receives bright light but not direct sunlight. The seeds will take 1-2 weeks to germinate, and once they do, continue to keep the pot moist and well-ventilated until the seedlings reach a suitable size for transplanting.
When sowing outdoors, choose a sunny location that has well-drained soil. Sow the seeds at a depth of 1-2cm and cover lightly with soil. Keep the soil moist, but don't overwater, as this can cause the seeds to rot. The seeds will take 2-3 weeks to germinate, and once they do, thin the seedlings to ensure they have enough space to grow.
Propagation Through Stem Cuttings
Propagation through stem cuttings is another popular method of propagating Oxalis corniculata L. This method is often used when producing larger and more uniform plants, or when the grower wants to preserve the characteristics of a particular cultivar.
To propagate through stem cuttings, select a healthy and disease-free stem from the parent plant. Cut a 10-15cm section of the stem, making sure it has at least two nodes. Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the stem and dust the cut end with rooting hormone powder. Insert the stem cutting into a pot filled with moist soil and water well. Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to keep the humidity levels high, and place it in an area that receives bright but indirect light. The stem cutting will take 2-3 weeks to root, and once roots have developed, it can be transplanted into a larger pot or in-ground.
Propagation Through Division of Root Clumps
Propagation through division of root clumps is a method of propagating Oxalis corniculata L. that's best employed when the plant outgrows its current pot or area and needs to be divided to promote healthy growth.
To propagate through division, carefully remove the plant from its pot or bed and gently shake off any loose soil. Divide the root clumps into sections, making sure each section has at least three leaves and a healthy root system. Plant each section in individual pots or areas of the garden with well-drained soil, keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and provide bright light.
Overall, Oxalis corniculata L. is an easy-to-propagate plant that allows for propagation through seeds, stem cuttings, and division of root clumps. Proper care should be taken during propagation to ensure the new plants grow healthy and vigorous and can provide similar ornamental value as the parent plants.
Disease and Pest Management of Oxalis corniculata L.
Oxalis corniculata L. is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the wood sorrel family. It is commonly known as Procumbent Yellow Sorrel. The plant is considered a weed in most parts of the world due to its invasiveness, making it important to manage diseases and pests that affect it.
Common Diseases
One of the common diseases that affect Oxalis corniculata L. is rust. This disease is caused by a fungus that appears as orange or rusty-colored spots on the leaves. The infected leaves may become distorted and eventually fall off. To manage rust, practice good sanitation by removing all infected leaves and destroying them. Ensure that the plant has good aeration and avoid watering it from above. You can also use a fungicide having copper or sulfur as an active ingredient.
Bacterial blight is another disease that affects the plant. It is caused by the Xanthomonas campestris bacteria. Symptoms of the disease include the appearance of brown or black leaf spots. Leaves can turn yellow and then wilt before dying. To manage bacterial blight, avoid watering the plant from above, use sterile tools when pruning, and remove infected parts of the plant and destroy them. A copper-based fungicide can also help mitigate the spread of this disease.
Common Pests
Certain pests are attracted to Oxalis corniculata L. and can significantly damage the plant. One such pest is the two-spotted spider mite. They are tiny pests that suck on the plant sap, causing leaves to dry out and fall off. To manage spider mites, avoid over-fertilizing the plant and keep it well-hydrated. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to remove the mites.
Aphids are another common pest of Oxalis corniculata L. They feed on the plant sap, leading to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and leaf drop. To manage an aphid infestation, introduce natural predators such as ladybugs and lacewings. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to remove most of the aphids.
Conclusion
Effective disease and pest management is crucial in maintaining excellent plant health. Regularly inspecting the plant to detect symptoms of diseases and pests is essential. Troublesome pests and diseases should be addressed promptly to avoid the spread of the problem and damage to the whole plant. Furthermore, following good cultural practices, such as proper plant maintenance, keeping the plant healthy, and removing infected parts, can help prevent the occurrence of diseases and pests.
