Overview of Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora (Jacq.) T.M.Salter
Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora (Jacq.) T.M.Salter is a significant weed in many different regions of the world, including Australia, Southeast Asia, and North America. It is also referred to as Pink Sorrel, Indian Sorrel, Bermuda Buttercup, and Sourgrass. This plant belongs to the family of Oxalidaceae 1.
Appearance
Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora (Jacq.) T.M.Salter has glossy green leaves, and the plant appears very similar to many clovers that grow in the same regions. The leaves are three-parted, heart-shaped, and are held on petioles that can grow up to 18 cm in length. The funnel-shaped flowers of this plant are pink or white and open during the day. They appear on stalks that stand taller than the leaves and range anywhere from 10 to 40 cm in height.
Origin
Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora (Jacq.) T.M.Salter is native to South Africa. It was introduced to many different regions of the world through the transport of contaminated plants and soil. In more recent years, this plant has been widely cultivated as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers and foliage.
Uses
Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora (Jacq.) T.M.Salter has mainly been used medicinally in traditional medicine for conditions like arthritis, sour stomachs, and to relieve inflammation, among others. The plant contains high levels of oxalic acid and has been used to remove rust from fabrics. Additionally, this plant is used in Africa and parts of Southeast Asia as a vegetable, either cooked or raw, and is sometimes added to soups, salads, and stews.
References:
- https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/108903
Growth Conditions for Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora (Jacq.) T.M.Salter
Light: Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora thrives in areas that receive bright yet indirect sunlight. It is recommended to provide at least 6 hours of bright, indirect sun daily. These plants typically do not tolerate full sun exposure for prolonged periods and may become scorched.
Temperature: Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora grows best in temperatures that range from 60°F to 75°F (or 15°C to 24°C). These plants are usually treated as annuals, so they are not used to extreme temperatures. During the winter season, the plant prefers a cooler environment, so it is best to keep it in an unheated room or a place that maintains a temperature range of 50°F to 60°F (or 10°C to 15°C).
Soil: The ideal soil type for Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora consists of well-draining potting mix that is enriched with organic matter. It is necessary to maintain the soil's moisture levels because the plant does not tolerate drought. However, excess water can lead to root rot, so it is advisable not to overwater. Additionally, the soil's pH level should be between 6.0 to 7.0.
Fertilizer: A balanced fertilizer is appropriate for Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora every two weeks during the growing season. It is best to avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers; otherwise, the plants may become leggy and lose their blooms.
Humidity: Although Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora thrives in a humid environment, it does not need excessively high levels of humidity. A regular household humidity range of 40% to 50% works well for these plants. Misting the plant with water daily can also help to increase humidity levels around the plant.
Cultivation Methods
Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora (Jacq.) T.M.Salter can be grown indoors or outdoors. It prefers loose, well-drained soil with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5 and needs bright to partial sun exposure. This plant requires a warm and humid climate, with nighttime temperatures not below 55°F. It can be propagated by seeds or by dividing the rhizomes and planted in the soil.
Watering Needs
Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora (Jacq.) T.M.Salter requires regular watering. The soil should be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. During the summer months or hot climates, this plant may need water more frequently. It is recommended to water the plant in the early morning or late afternoon when the weather is cooler.
Fertilization
Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora (Jacq.) T.M.Salter requires regular fertilization to promote growth and blooming success. A balanced fertilizer with a ratio of 10-10-10 is recommended, applied every two weeks during the growing season. During the winter months or when the plant is dormant, fertilization can be reduced or entirely stopped.
Pruning
Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora (Jacq.) T.M.Salter requires minimal pruning. Deadheading spent flowers will encourage the plant to rebloom. This plant may become leggy over time, and pruning back the stems can encourage bushier growth. It is best to prune in the spring after the plant has finished blooming and before new growth appears.
Propagation methods for Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora (Jacq.) T.M.Salter
Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora (Jacq.) T.M.Salter, commonly known as hairy wood sorrel, can be propagated through various methods including seeds, bulbs, and stem cuttings.
Propagation through seeds
Seeds of Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora can be collected from the plant as they mature and turn brown. It is advisable to sow the seeds immediately, as they have a short lifespan of around six months. The seeds should be sown in well-drained soil, preferably in a mix of sand and peat moss, and kept moist at all times. Germination usually occurs within two to three weeks.
Propagation through bulbs
Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora produces small bulbs that can be detached from the parent plant and planted in a well-drained soil mix. The bulbs should be planted in spring or early summer and kept moist until they establish roots and begin to grow. Care should be taken not to plant the bulbs too deeply, as this can cause rotting.
Propagation through stem cuttings
Stem cuttings can also be used to propagate Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora. The cuttings should be taken from the parent plant in spring or early summer and should be around 4-6 inches in length. The cuttings should be stripped of their lower leaves and dipped in rooting hormone. They should then be planted in a well-drained soil mix and kept moist until they establish roots and begin to grow.
Disease Management
Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora (Jacq.) T.M.Salter can be affected by various diseases. One of the most common diseases is leaf spot, caused by a fungus called Cercospora oxalidis. Symptoms of this disease include circular to angular lesions on the leaves, which may be yellow, brown, or black. To manage this disease, infected plant material should be removed and destroyed. Fungicides can also be used, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully and use them only when necessary.
Another disease that can affect Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora (Jacq.) T.M.Salter is powdery mildew, caused by various species of fungi. Symptoms of this disease include a powdery white or gray coating on the leaves, stems, and flowers. To manage this disease, infected plant material should be removed and destroyed, and the plant should be kept in a well-ventilated area. Fungicides can also be used, but it is important to follow the instructions carefully and use them only when necessary.
Pest Management
Various pests can also affect Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora (Jacq.) T.M.Salter. One of the most common pests is aphids, which are small, soft-bodied insects that suck sap from the plant. Symptoms of an aphid infestation include distorted growth and sticky honeydew on the leaves and stems. To manage aphids, the plant can be sprayed with a strong jet of water or treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Ladybugs and lacewings are also natural predators of aphids and can be introduced into the garden to control the infestation.
Another pest that can affect Oxalis hirta L. var. tubiflora (Jacq.) T.M.Salter is thrips, which are small, slender insects that feed on the plant's leaves and flowers. Symptoms of a thrips infestation include silver or white patches on the leaves or petals, distorted growth, and a silvery sheen on the leaves. To manage thrips, the plant can be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil, and the affected plant material should be removed and destroyed. Sticky traps can also be used to catch adult thrips.
