Description of Oxalis stricta L. var. decumbens Bitter
Oxalis stricta L. var. decumbens Bitter is an herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. It is also commonly known as yellow wood sorrel.
Origin
Oxalis stricta L. var. decumbens Bitter is native to North America. It can be found in many states in the US, including Florida, Colorado, Indiana, and Michigan.
General Appearance
Yellow wood sorrel is a perennial plant and grows up to 18 inches in height. Its leaves are trifoliate and heart-shaped, with a yellow-green color. The plant produces five-petalled yellow flowers that bloom from June to August.
The plant has a shallow root system and grows in a clump-forming manner. It has slender stems that are slightly decumbent, meaning they grow along the ground before turning upwards.
Uses
Yellow wood sorrel has several uses, both culinary and medicinal. Its leaves are edible and have a sour taste, which makes them popular for use in salads and as a garnish. The plant is also used to make tea, which is believed to have antioxidant properties and can help alleviate digestive problems, including vomiting and diarrhea.
Additionally, the plant has been found to contain compounds with antitumor and antimicrobial properties, suggesting a potential role in cancer treatment and preventing infections.
Overall, Oxalis stricta L. var. decumbens Bitter is a versatile and useful plant that has gained popularity over the years due to its culinary and medicinal properties.
Light Requirements
Oxalis stricta L. var. decumbens Bitter generally prefers bright and indirect sunlight. It can also grow in partial shade conditions. However, it is essential to note that excess sunlight can lead to leaf scorching and other forms of damage. Therefore, it is important to monitor the plant and control its exposure to direct sunlight.
Temperature Requirements
The plant growth is optimal in moderate temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 23°C). However, it can tolerate extreme temperature ranges from 60°F to 85°F (15°C to 30°C). In colder regions, it is advisable to move the plant indoors or provide some form of insulation to protect it during the winter season.
Soil Requirements
Oxalis stricta L. var. decumbens Bitter grows well in well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. It prefers moist soils with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. The plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types, including clay, loam, and sandy soils. However, it is important to avoid waterlogged soils as they can lead to root rot and other forms of damage.
Cultivation methods
Oxalis stricta L. var. decumbens Bitter is a hardy plant that can grow in almost any soil type as long as it is well-drained. It can tolerate both full sun and partial shade, although it prefers partially shaded areas.
The plant can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. If seeds are used, they should be sown in the early spring in well-prepared soil. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged. The seeds should be sown at a depth of about ? inch, and the soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate. Cuttings should be taken in the early summer and planted in a well-drained potting mix.
Watering needs
Oxalis stricta L. var. decumbens Bitter requires moderate watering. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. It is important to avoid over-watering as this can lead to root rot. During hot weather, the plant may need to be watered more frequently, but care should be taken to avoid over-watering.
Fertilization
Oxalis stricta L. var. decumbens Bitter requires a balanced fertilizer with an NPK ratio of around 10-10-10. This can be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season. Too much fertilizer can lead to excessive growth and reduced flowering.
Pruning
Pruning is not necessary for Oxalis stricta L. var. decumbens Bitter. However, deadheading spent blooms can encourage the plant to produce more flowers. If the plant becomes too leggy, it can be cut back to encourage branching.
Propagation of Oxalis stricta L. var. decumbens Bitter
Oxalis stricta L. var. decumbens Bitter, commonly known as creeping woodsorrel, is a low-growing herbaceous plant that belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. It is native to North America and is commonly found in lawns, gardens, and other disturbed areas.
Propagation of Oxalis stricta can be done through three main methods:
1. Seeds
Seeds are the easiest and most common method of propagating Oxalis stricta. The seeds can be sown directly into the soil in the spring or fall. Before sowing the seeds, the soil should be moist and well-drained. The seeds should be lightly covered with soil and kept moist until they germinate, which usually takes 2-3 weeks. Once the seedlings are large enough to handle, they can be transplanted into their final location.
2. Vegetative Propagation
Oxalis stricta can also be propagated vegetatively through cuttings and division.
Cuttings should be taken from mature plants in the spring or summer and should be approximately 4-6 inches in length. The cuttings should be dipped in rooting hormone and planted in a well-draining soil mixture. The cuttings should be kept moist and in a warm, bright location until they root, which usually takes 3-4 weeks.
Division is another method of vegetative propagation and is best done in the spring or fall. The plant should be dug up and the roots separated into smaller sections. Each section should have a few growth points and healthy roots. The new plants can then be planted in their final location.
3. Bulbs
Oxalis stricta can also be propagated through bulbs. The bulbs can be dug up in the fall and separated into smaller sections. Each section should have a few small bulbs and some roots. The new bulbs should be planted in a well-draining soil mixture and kept moist until they establish roots and begin to grow.
Overall, propagating Oxalis stricta is relatively easy and can be done through seeds, vegetative propagation, or bulbs.
Disease Management
Oxalis stricta L. var. decumbens Bitter is susceptible to various diseases, including:
- Botrytis Blight: This fungal disease can cause brown spots on leaves, flowers, and stems, eventually killing the plant. It can be managed by removing infected plant parts and avoiding excessive watering.
- Root Rots: Caused by waterlogging, root rots can cause the roots to become mushy and decayed. Plants can be managed by improving drainage and reducing watering.
- Leaf Spots: Caused by bacteria and fungi, leaf spots can cause yellow or brown spots on leaves. Plants can be managed by removing infected plant parts and applying fungicides.
Pest Management
Oxalis stricta L. var. decumbens Bitter is also susceptible to various pests, including:
- Aphids: These insects feed on the sap of the plant, causing leaves to curl and distort. Plants can be managed by removing aphids by hand or applying insecticidal soap.
- Spider Mites: These tiny insects can cause leaves to turn yellow and become distorted. Plants can be managed by washing the plant with water or applying insecticidal soap.
- Caterpillars: These larvae can eat large portions of the plant, causing severe damage. Plants can be managed by removing caterpillars by hand or applying Bacillus thuringiensis.
