Oxalis tetraphylla

Oxalis tetraphylla (often traded under its synonym O. deppei) is a bulbous herbaceous perennial plant from Mexico. A well-known cultivar is Iron Cross, named for the resemblance of the dark patches to the Iron Cross medal. It is sometimes sold as lucky clover or shamrock (even if it isn't a clover). In the wild or feral state it is often called wood-sorrel after its genus Oxalidaceae, four-leaf sorrel, or four-leaved pink-sorrel.

Oxalis tetraphylla
A single leaf showing its 4 leaflets
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Clade: Rosids
Order: Oxalidales
Family: Oxalidaceae
Genus: Oxalis
Species:
O. tetraphylla
Binomial name
Oxalis tetraphylla
Synonyms

Oxalis deppei Lodd. ex Sweet

It has leaves divided into four and has been called lucky leaf and even four-leaf clover, though it is not a true clover. Related to the common wood-sorrel (Oxalis acetosella), it is commonly used as an ornamental plant. It is also edible, the flowers and leaves having a sharp lemon flavor.[1] However, since the oxalic acid in the plant can interfere with the absorption of certain nutrients in the body, especially calcium, too much can be harmful.[2]

Cultivation

Hardiness: Zones 8–9. If planted in early spring it will grow and flower throughout spring and summer. Some bulbs can survive a cold winter but in areas with frost they should be kept in a cool dry place over winter and replanted in the spring. The bulbs will multiply by autumn.

References
  1. Anne Raver: Gourmet Vegetables: Smart Tips and Tasty Picks for Gardeners and Gourmet Cook. Brooklyn Botanic Garden, New York 2002, ISBN 1-889538-51-5, p. 17
  2. Clive Stace; R. van der Meijden; I. de Kort, eds. (2004), Interactive Flora of the British Isles. A digital encyclopedia: (DVD-ROM) (in German), Wokingham: ETI Information Services Ltd., p. 3956, ISBN 90-75000-69-3, retrieved 2008-11-05
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