Oxalis Monophylla L. Var. Rotundifolia T.m.salter

Origin and Common Names:

Oxalis monophylla L. var. rotundifolia T.M.Salter is a commonly found plant in several parts of North America and Europe. This plant belongs to the Oxalidaceae family and is also known as Roundleaf Yellow Woodsorrel.

General Appearance:

Oxalis monophylla L. var. rotundifolia T.M.Salter is a small plant that grows up to be around 10-15 centimeters tall. The plant's leaves are triangular to heart-shaped, and the flowers are yellow and bell-shaped. The stem of this plant is thin and reddish-brown, making it easy to recognize.

Uses:

Oxalis monophylla L. var. rotundifolia T.M.Salter has several traditional medicinal uses. The plant is known to be rich in vitamin C and has antiscorbutic properties. It is used to treat flu, sore throats, stomach ailments, and to help stop bleeding. The plant has also been used to make dyes due to its bright yellow flowers.

In addition to its medicinal uses, Oxalis monophylla L. var. rotundifolia T.M.Salter is sometimes included in landscaping projects. This plant thrives in rock gardens and is often used as an ornamental ground cover for its attractive foliage and flowers. It is also popular among gardeners because of its drought tolerance and sun-loving nature.

Light Requirements

Oxalis monophylla L. var. rotundifolia T.M.Salter requires bright, indirect light for optimal growth. It can tolerate some direct sunlight, but too much can scorch its delicate leaves.

Temperature Requirements

This plant prefers moderate temperatures between 60-75°F (15-23°C). It can survive in slightly cooler temperatures, but it may go dormant or die back in extreme heat or cold.

Soil Requirements

Oxalis monophylla L. var. rotundifolia T.M.Salter grows best in well-draining, slightly acidic soil. A mixture of peat moss and perlite is often used for optimal growth. It's important to avoid heavy soils that can trap moisture and cause root rot.

Watering Requirements

This plant prefers to be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. It's important to allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot. It's also important to avoid watering the leaves directly, as this can cause rot and disease.

Fertilizer Requirements

During the growing season, Oxalis monophylla L. var. rotundifolia T.M.Salter benefits from a monthly dose of a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer. It's important to dilute the fertilizer according to instructions to prevent over-fertilization, which can lead to burned leaves and weakened growth.

Cultivation Methods

Oxalis monophylla L. var. rotundifolia T.M.Salter is a delicate plant and requires a specific method of cultivation. The plant grows well in well-draining soil, preferably loamy soil mixed with organic matter. It can grow in full sun or partial shade.

The plant can be grown from seeds or propagated through stem cuttings. The plant needs to be planted in a pot having adequate drainage holes. Plant the seeds or cuttings below the soil level. Water lightly after planting.

Watering Needs

Oxalis monophylla L. var. rotundifolia T.M.Salter requires moderate watering. The topsoil should be dry before watering. It doesn't handle waterlogging well. Overwatering can lead to rotting and fungal infections. Watering should be done twice a week in hot and dry weather.

The plant requires less watering in winters. One should ensure that the soil is not completely dry in the winter season.

Fertilization

Oxalis monophylla L. var. rotundifolia T.M.Salter requires additional nutrients to bloom. Fertilize the plant with organic matter once every month. A balanced N-P-K fertilizer can also be used.

However, excess fertilization should be avoided as it can cause yellowing of leaves and stunt growth. The plant should be fertilized during the growing season.

Pruning

Oxalis monophylla L. var. rotundifolia T.M.Salter requires minimal pruning. Pinch off dead flowers and leaves from time to time. Prune the plant to keep it in shape. Pruning can also be carried out to produce bushy growth.

The best time to prune the plant is after blooming season or in the dormant period. Pruning should be done above the node and should not damage the stem.

Propagation of Oxalis monophylla L. var. rotundifolia T.M.Salter

Oxalis monophylla L. var. rotundifolia T.M.Salter is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. The plant has a very interesting feature whereby it produce various types of leaves. Here are the propagation methods of this plant:

Method 1: Division

Division is the easiest and most common method of propagating Oxalis monophylla L. var. rotundifolia T.M.Salter. It involves dividing the plant into smaller sections and planting them in separate containers. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Dig up the plant carefully in early spring or fall when the plant is dormant.
2. Divide the plant using a sharp, sterilized knife, making sure that each division has at least one healthy tuber.
3. Plant each division in a separate container or in a prepared bed with well-drained soil and adequate moisture.
4. Water the divisions and keep the soil evenly moist until they are established.

Method 2: Seeds

Oxalis monophylla L. var. rotundifolia T.M.Salter can also be propagated from seeds. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Collect the seeds from the plant in late summer or fall.
2. Clean and dry the seeds for a week.
3. Sow the seeds in a container filled with a well-draining soil mix.
4. Moisten the soil mix and cover the container with a clear plastic lid or wrap to retain moisture.
5. Place the container in a bright, warm spot but out of direct sunlight.
6. Remove the plastic wrap or lid when the seeds germinate.
7. Once the seedlings have grown two or three sets of leaves, transplant them to a larger container or in a prepared bed with well-draining soil mix.
8. Keep the soil evenly moist until the plants are established.

Disease Management

Oxalis monophylla L. var. rotundifolia T.M.Salter, also known as One-Leaf Wood-Sorrel, is susceptible to various fungal diseases that can affect its growth and vitality. Two common diseases that affect this plant are:

• Leaf spot: This disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora oxalidis. Symptoms include the appearance of brown spots on the leaves of the plant. The spots may merge together to form large patches that can result in defoliation of the plant.
• Rust: This disease is caused by the fungus Puccinia oxalidis. Symptoms include orange or brown pustules that appear on the underside of leaves. As the disease progresses, the spots may enlarge and cause defoliation.

To manage these diseases, make sure to prune and dispose of infected leaves or stems immediately. Also, avoid watering the plant from the top as wet leaves are susceptible to fungal diseases. You can also spray the plant with a fungicide to prevent the spread of the disease.

Pest Management

The One-Leaf Wood-Sorrel is also prone to attack from a few pests. The most common pests are:

• Aphids: These are tiny insects that suck the sap from the plant, causing the leaves to curl and distort. They also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts ants and can lead to the growth of sooty mold.
• Spider mites: These are tiny eight-legged mites that suck sap from the leaves of the plant, causing them to turn yellow and fall off. The mites also produce webbing, which can cover the leaves and stems of the plant.

To manage these pests, you can manually remove them from the plant by spraying with water, or by wiping them off with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol. You can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control their population. However, make sure to follow the instructions on the label and avoid applying during the hottest parts of the day to prevent damage to the plant.