Plant Description:
Oxalis stellata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. glandulosa T.M.Salter, commonly known as the star oxalis or Cape sorrel, is a low-growing, herbaceous plant belonging to the Oxalidaceae family. It is a subshrub that typically grows up to 30cm in height.
Origin and Distribution:
Star Oxalis is native to South Africa. It is generally found growing in rocky outcrops, gravelly slopes, and sandy soils in the Western Cape, Karoo, and Namaqualand regions. It has also been found growing in Namibia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe.
Common Names:
The plant is commonly known by different names in different regions. Some of the popular names include Bitterroot, Soursob, and Wild Sorrel.
Uses:
Star Oxalis has both medicinal and culinary uses. The leaves are used for making herbal tea due to their detoxifying and cleansing properties. The tea is believed to aid digestion and treat infections. The plant is also used as a food source in some parts of South Africa, where the leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable.
General Appearance:
The star oxalis plant has a fleshy stem that is covered in small hairs and produces multiple branches. It has three-leaved, clover-like foliage that is green in color and gives off a sour taste. The plant blooms in spring and summer, producing pink to purple flowers with five petals that open wide to form a star-like shape. The fruit is a long, slender capsule that contains small, black seeds.
Overall, Oxalis stellata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. glandulosa T.M.Salter is a versatile plant with various benefits and uses that make it a valuable addition to any garden or herb collection.Light Requirements
The Oxalis stellata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. glandulosa T.M.Salter prefers bright and direct sunlight to grow properly. It is essential to provide at least four to six hours of sunlight each day for the plant to thrive. However, too much sunlight can be harmful to the plant, so it is recommended to provide partial shade during the hottest part of the day.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 65-75°F (18-24°C). The plant cannot tolerate extreme heat or cold temperatures, and frost can be particularly harmful to it. Therefore, care should be taken to ensure that the optimum temperature conditions are maintained throughout the year.
Soil Requirements
The Oxalis stellata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. glandulosa T.M.Salter requires a well-draining and slightly acidic soil mix to grow properly. The pH of the soil should range from 6.0 to 6.5. The soil should be rich in organic matter, and regular fertilization is necessary for the plant's growth. The plant can grow in various types of soils, such as sandy, loamy, or clay, but it should not be soggy or waterlogged.
Cultivation
Oxalis stellata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. glandulosa T.M.Salter, commonly known as Prostrate Sorrel, is a perennial groundcover that prefers full sun to partial shade and well-draining soil. It can be propagated through seeds, division or stem cuttings. When planting seeds, make sure to sow them thinly and water frequently, but avoid overwatering to prevent the seeds from rotting. For division or stem cuttings, select healthy and vigorous plants and use a clean and sharp knife or pruner.
Watering Needs
Prostrate Sorrel prefers evenly moist soil and requires frequent watering during hot and dry periods. However, avoid overwatering the plant to prevent root rot. To determine the moisture level in the soil, check the top inch of the soil, and if it feels dry, it's time to water your plant. Water at the base of the plant, avoiding getting water on the foliage as it may promote fungal diseases.
Fertilization
Prostrate Sorrel does not require heavy fertilization, although feeding it once or twice a year with an all-purpose fertilizer can improve its growth and appearance. Use a well-balanced 10-10-10 liquid fertilizer and apply according to the package instructions. Over-fertilizing may cause the plant to produce more foliage than flowers.
Pruning
Pruning is usually not necessary for Prostrate Sorrel, but if you want to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth, pinch back the stems regularly. Cut back any dead or diseased stems at any time of the year. In late winter or early spring, remove the old and dead foliage from the previous year to allow new growth to emerge.
Propagation of Oxalis stellata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. glandulosa T.M.Salter
Oxalis stellata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. glandulosa T.M.Salter is a hardy perennial plant that is relatively easy to propagate. The plant can be propagated through various methods, including division, cuttings, and seed planting. Below is a discussion of these propagation methods:
Propagation through division
Division involves separating the plant into smaller divisions and planting them separately. This method is suitable for mature plants with several shoots or clumps. The best time to divide the plant is during the dormant season in early spring before new growth starts or in late summer or early fall after the growing season has ended.
To divide the plant, carefully dig up the plant and separate the shoots or clumps. Ensure that each division has some roots attached and replant them in well-draining soil.
Propagation through cuttings
Cuttings are a quick and easy way to propagate Oxalis stellata. This method is suitable for young and healthy plants that have not yet formed many shoots. The best time to take cuttings is during the growing season in late spring or early summer.
To propagate through cuttings, take 10-15 cm stem cuttings from the plant and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cuttings in a rooting hormone and plant them in well-draining soil. Ensure that the soil is moist but not waterlogged and keep the plant in a shaded area until it has rooted.
Propagation through seed planting
Propagation through seed planting is the most time-consuming method. It is suitable for propagators who are up to the challenge and willing to wait longer for their plants to grow. The best time to plant seeds is during the dormant season in early spring or late fall.
To propagate through seed planting, collect seeds from a mature plant and sow them in well-draining soil. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and keep them moist. Germination should occur within two weeks to a month.
Propagation of Oxalis stellata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. glandulosa T.M.Salter can be done through division, cuttings, or seed planting. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, but all methods can help you grow more of this beautiful plant.
Disease and Pest Management for Oxalis stellata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. glandulosa T.M.Salter
Oxalis stellata Eckl. & Zeyh. var. glandulosa T.M.Salter, commonly known as Pink wood-sorrel or Kalossie, is a small and delicate plant that is vulnerable to various diseases and pests. Here are some common diseases and pests that can affect this plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: This fungus grows on the surface of leaves, stems and flowers causing a white powder-like substance. It can lead to distorted growth and yellowing of leaves. To manage this disease, remove infected plant parts immediately and spray the remaining parts with a mixture of baking soda and water (1 tablespoon of baking soda in a gallon of water).
2. Gray Mold: This fungus attacks the plant's flowers, leaves, and stems. It causes a gray, fuzzy growth on these parts and can lead to plant death. To manage this disease, remove infected parts of the plant immediately and apply copper-based fungicide.
Pests
1. Spider Mites: These pests are tiny and can be identified by their webbing on the plant's leaves. They suck the sap from the plant causing yellow or brown spots and ultimately leaf drop. To manage this pest, wash the plant with water, or use an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
2. Aphids: These pests are small, soft-bodied insects that congregate on the underside of leaves and new growth. They cause the plant to wilt, yellow and stunt in growth. To manage this pest, remove the infected leaves and use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Regular monitoring of the plant for any signs of diseases or pests is essential. Prompt management can save the plant from further damage.
