Overview:
Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva (Ell.) C.F. Reed, commonly known as curly woodsorrel, is a species of flowering plant belonging to the family Oxalidaceae. This native North American plant is found in the United States, including the Midwest, Southeast, and Northeastern regions, as well as in the eastern parts of Canada. The plant is known for its sour taste, which comes from oxalic acid, and its edible leaves and flowers have been used in traditional medicine and cuisine.
Appearance:
The curly woodsorrel is a herbaceous plant that grows up to 25 centimeters in height. It has a bright green leaf that is divided into three to seven leaflets that are heart-shaped. The leaflets are roughly one to two centimeters in length, and they are generally smooth or slightly hairy on the upper surface and hairy on the underside. The plant's flowers, which bloom from May to August, are small and yellow, with a diameter of about one centimeter. The fruits of this plant are capsule-shaped, with seeds that are approximately one millimeter in length and are dispersed via wind or water.
Uses:
The curly woodsorrel has been used for a variety of purposes for centuries. The leaves and flowers are edible, and their sour taste makes them a great addition to salads, soups, and stews. The plant has also been used in traditional medicines to help with various ailments. The leaves have been used as a diuretic and as a treatment for sore throats, fevers, and bladder issues. Additionally, the plant is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, making it a healthy addition to one's diet.
Aside from its edible and medicinal uses, the curly woodsorrel is a common ornamental plant in gardens due to its beautiful yellow flowers and the attractive shape of its leaves. Its ability to grow in both shade and sun makes it adaptable to a variety of growing conditions, which has helped to spread the plant to many different regions throughout North America.
Overall, Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva (Ell.) C.F. Reed is an interesting and useful plant that has a long history of being utilized in various ways. Its unique appearance, edible leaves and flowers, and adaptability to different growing conditions make it an excellent addition to any garden or kitchen.
Light Requirements
Oxalis dillenii var. recurva thrives best under partial shade to full sunlight. Therefore, it should be placed in locations that receive direct morning or evening sunlight. When grown in low light conditions, the plant tends to produce less foliage and may become lanky.
Temperature Requirements
The plant enjoys warm temperatures and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures from 10 °C to 38 °C. It grows best under average daytime temperatures that range between 23 °C - 27 °C. In addition, the plant can tolerate cold temperatures for short periods, although extended exposure to freezing temperatures can cause its foliage to wilt and turn yellow. So, it should be kept away from frost-prone areas.
Soil Requirements
Oxalis dillenii var. recurva prefers well-draining soil that is loamy and rich in nutrients. It thrives in soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The soil should be moist, but not water-logged, and the plant must have access to good drainage. The use of organic fertilizers is recommended to enhance soil fertility, as the plant requires plenty of nutrients to grow properly. In addition, the plant should be watered frequently, but care should be taken not to overwater.
Cultivation methods
Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva (Ell.) C.F. Reed can be grown both indoors and outdoors. The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It is recommended to plant it in a location with partial shade to protect it from direct sunlight.
Ensure the soil is kept moist, but not waterlogged. The plant spreads by its rhizomes, which should be carefully separated before planting. The best time to plant is the beginning of spring.
Watering needs
It's important to keep the soil moist but not overwatered. The plant prefers well-draining soil that doesn't hold too much moisture. Irrigate the plant once every two weeks if you live in a temperate climate and once a week or more if you live in a hot and dry region.
Keep in mind that the plant is sensitive to drought, so it's better to water it slightly more than not enough.
Fertilization
Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva (Ell.) C.F. Reed requires regular fertilization during the growing season to maintain its health and vigor. You can use a balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the active growing period of spring and summer.
It's also important to ensure the soil has sufficient nutrients to support the plant's growth. You can work in a slow-release granular fertilizer into the soil before planting. Alternatively, you can top-dress the soil with compost or well-rotted manure once or twice per year.
Pruning
Pruning is not mandatory for Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva (Ell.) C.F. Reed, but removing any dead or yellowing leaves can help the plant's appearance and promote healthy growth.
Make sure you use sharp, sterile pruning shears when trimming the plant to prevent damage and disease. Repotting the plant every year or two can also help keep it healthy and encourage growth.
Propagation of Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva (Ell.) C.F. Reed
Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva (Ell.) C.F. Reed is a perennial plant with a clumping growth habit. It can be propagated through several methods, including division, stem cuttings, and seed propagation.
Division
One of the easiest and quickest methods of propagating Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva (Ell.) C.F. Reed is through division. This method involves separating the parent plant into smaller sections and replanting them to form individual plants. It is best done during the plant's dormant period, which is usually in the fall or early spring.
To propagate through division, carefully lift the parent plant from the soil and gently separate the plant into smaller sections, ensuring that each section has sufficient roots and foliage. Replant each section into a new pot or directly into well-draining soil in the garden.
Stem cuttings
Another method of propagating Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva (Ell.) C.F. Reed is through stem cuttings. This method involves taking a stem cutting from the parent plant and rooting it to form a new individual plant.
To propagate through stem cuttings, select a stem that has at least two nodes and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone and plant it in a well-draining potting mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a bright, but indirect light. It may take several weeks for the cutting to root and establish itself.
Seed propagation
Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva (Ell.) C.F. Reed can also be propagated through seed. This method is best done in the spring or early fall.
To propagate through seed, scatter the seeds on top of a well-draining potting mix and cover them with a shallow layer of soil. Keep the soil moist and place the container in a warm, bright place. The seeds will typically germinate within two to three weeks and can be transplanted into individual pots or directly into the garden once they have developed their second set of leaves.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva
Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva is generally a hardy plant that does not suffer from serious disease or pest problems often. However, like any other plant, it may be susceptible to certain diseases and pests that may impact its growth and yield. Here are some of the common diseases and pests that might affect Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery coating on the leaves and stem of Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva. It thrives in warm and humid conditions and can quickly spread through the plant if left unchecked. To manage it, prune or remove any infected parts and improve ventilation around the plant. You can also use a fungicide to control the spread of the disease.
Crown Rot: Crown rot is a fungal disease that attacks the roots of Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva and causes them to rot. It can be caused by overwatering or poorly-drained soil. To manage it, remove any infected plants from the soil and ensure that you do not overwater or water in a way that water stays around the plant's crown.
Pests
Aphids: Aphids are tiny insects that feed on the sap of Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva and can cause deformities in the leaves and stem. To manage them, you can use neem oil or insecticidal soap to treat the plant.
Snails and Slugs: Snails and slugs are common pests that can cause significant damage to Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva as they feed on its leaves. You can manage them by handpicking them or using a barrier method such as copper tape or eggshells.
Spider Mites: Spider mites are very tiny pests that suck the sap from the leaves of Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva, causing them to turn yellow and dry. To manage them, you can use a pesticide or neem oil. Pruning away infected parts can also help prevent the spread of the mites.
By keeping an eye out for these disease and pest problems and using the appropriate management techniques, you can ensure that your Oxalis dillenii Jacq. var. recurva grows healthily and beautifully.
