Origin of Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter
Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter is a species of flowering plant that belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. This plant is native to the Western Cape Province of South Africa.
Common Names of Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter
Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter is commonly known as the Pink Oxalis or the Peach Wood-sorrel. It is also sometimes referred to as the Wild Sorrel.
Uses of Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter
Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter has various traditional medicinal uses. In traditional African medicine, the plant has been known to be used to treat a wide range of illnesses and conditions such as fever, wounds, and bladder infections due to its antibacterial properties. The plant also has potential uses in the cosmetic industry as an ingredient in skin care products.
General Appearance of Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter
Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter is a perennial plant that grows up to 30 cm tall and spreads up to 30 cm wide. The leaves are bright green in color, trifoliate in form, and often have a pinkish hue on the undersides. The flowers are pink in color and have five petals arranged in a star shape. The plant blooms from spring to early summer.
Light Requirements
Oxalis extensa is a plant that prefers bright, indirect light or partial shade. Direct sunlight can be harmful to the plant, causing its leaves to turn yellow. It is best to place the plant near a window that receives morning or late afternoon sun. In areas with intense sun exposure, it is recommended to provide shade during the hottest hours of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for Oxalis extensa is between 60°F to 75°F (15.5°C to 24°C). It can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures but is sensitive to extreme heat. The plant should be protected from sudden temperature changes, which could cause leaf drop. During the winter months, it is important to avoid placing the plant near drafts or vents that could expose it to cold air.
Soil Requirements
Oxalis extensa grows best in well-draining soil that is kept moist but not waterlogged. A soil mixture containing peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite can provide ideal conditions for the plant's growth. It is important to avoid heavy soils that can retain too much moisture, which can cause root rot. The plant is also sensitive to high levels of salts in the soil, and therefore, it is recommended to use filtered or distilled water when watering.
Cultivation and Care of Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter
Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter is a hardy perennial plant that is easy to cultivate and care for. The plant requires a well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. It grows best in full sun or partial shade but can tolerate some shade.
Watering Needs
Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter requires regular watering to thrive. The plant needs to be watered when the top inch of soil is dry. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it is important to ensure that the soil is not waterlogged. Watering should be reduced during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Fertilization
Fertilization is important to ensure that Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter grows healthy and strong. The plant should be fertilized every two weeks during the growing season using a balanced fertilizer. Fertilizer should be reduced during the winter months when the plant is dormant.
Pruning
Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter requires minimal pruning. To maintain the plant's shape, deadhead spent flowers regularly. This will promote new growth and ensure that the plant continues to look neat and tidy. Also, remove any dead or damaged foliage from the plant to maintain its overall health and appearance.
Propagation of Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter
Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter, commonly known as creeping wood sorrel, is a herbaceous perennial plant that can be propagated through various methods. The most common propagation methods include seed propagation and vegetative propagation.
Seed Propagation
The seeds of Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter are small and can be collected from mature plants after the blooming period. The seeds need to be stratified before sowing to break dormancy. This can be achieved by placing the seeds in a moist paper towel and storing them in the refrigerator for several weeks. Once stratified, the seeds can be sown in a well-draining soil mix and covered with a thin layer of soil. The soil should be kept moist, and the seeds should be kept in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks, and the seedlings can be transplanted into individual pots once they have developed their first true leaves.
Vegetative Propagation
Vegetative propagation of Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter can be achieved through various methods, including division, stem cuttings, and bulbils.
Division involves separating the plant into smaller sections with a clean, sharp knife or spade. Each section should have a healthy root system and several stems with foliage. The divided sections can be replanted immediately in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until they become established.
Stem cuttings can be taken from mature stems during the growing season. The section should be at least 4 inches long with several nodes and leaves. The lower leaves should be removed, and the cutting can be planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should be kept in a warm location with indirect sunlight. Rooting usually occurs within two to four weeks, and the cutting can be transplanted into individual pots once they have developed roots.
Bulbils are small bulbs that develop at the base of the main stem or in the leaf axils of the plant. The bulbils can be removed and planted in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the bulbils should be kept in a warm location with indirect sunlight. The bulbils will develop roots and shoots, and they can be transplanted into individual pots once they have become established.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter
Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter, commonly known as creeping wood sorrel, is a leafy, flowering plant belonging to the Oxalidaceae family. It is found in many regions around the world, and it can be grown as an ornamental plant or a ground cover. However, like most plants, it is susceptible to diseases and pests that can limit its growth and productivity. In this article, we will look at various diseases and pests that might affect this plant and ways to manage them.
Common Diseases of Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter
Creeping wood sorrel is vulnerable to various diseases, such as:
- Leaf Spot: This is a fungal disease that causes brown or black spots on the leaves. The spots might merge, leading to premature leaf fall.
- Root rot: Root rot causes the plant to wilt or die. This disease is caused by waterlogged soil, poor drainage, or fungal infection.
- Anthracnose: This disease causes yellow or brown leaf spots, stem cankers, and overall plant decline. It is caused by a fungal infection.
To manage these diseases, it is essential to maintain good sanitation practices, such as removing infected leaves, improving soil drainage, and avoiding overhead watering. Fungicides and bactericides can also be used to treat the diseases. Consult with a local agricultural extension service or a licensed pesticide applicator for the specific fungicide or bactericide to use and its application rates.
Common Pests of Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter
Creeping wood sorrel is also susceptible to various pests, such as:
- Aphids: These are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the plant's sap, causing wilting, stunted growth, and leaf curl.
- Spider mites: Spider mites are tiny, sap-sucking pests that can lead to yellowing, bronzing, and premature leaf fall.
- Snails and Slugs: These are mollusks that can feed on the leaves, flowers, and stems of the plant, leading to defoliation and plant death.
To manage these pests, physical and chemical control methods can be employed. Physical control methods include manual removal of the pests, such as picking the snails and slugs off the plant or using sticky traps to attract aphids. Chemical control methods include using insecticides or pesticides. When using pesticides, read the labels carefully and follow the instructions to ensure safe and effective application. Also, choose pesticides that are specific to the particular pest to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Conclusion
Oxalis extensa T.M.Salter, like all plants, is vulnerable to diseases and pests that can limit its growth, productivity, and aesthetic value. Implementing good sanitation practices, physical control methods, and the careful use of pesticides and insecticides can help prevent the onset of diseases and pests. By doing so, one can maintain a healthy and vigorous plant that can serve its intended purpose well.
