Barrelier’s woodsorrel (Oxalis barrelieri, Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 624 (1762))

Family: Oxalidaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl. ed. 2: 624 (1762)

Year: 1762

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Oxalis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. America

Description

Barrelier’s woodsorrel, scientifically named Oxalis barrelieri, is a distinguished member of the family Oxalidaceae. First documented by the esteemed botanist Carl Linnaeus in 1762 in his seminal work “Species Plantarum” (second edition), this plant has garnered attention for its unique characteristics and widespread occurrence in tropical regions of the Americas.

Oxalis barrelieri typically presents itself as a perennial herb characterized by its trifoliate leaves, which are a hallmark of the woodsorrel family. Each leaflet is heart-shaped, displaying a pleasant symmetry that contributes to its overall aesthetic appeal. The plant produces delicate, five-petaled flowers, often in shades of pink or purple, which add a splash of color to its natural surroundings.

Commonly found in diverse habitats ranging from open fields to forested areas, Barrelier’s woodsorrel thrives in tropical climates. The plant’s resilience and adaptability allow it to flourish even in less than ideal soil conditions, making it a common sight across its native range.

In addition to its ornamental value, Oxalis barrelieri is also noted for its interesting botanical features. Its leaves, like many in the Oxalidaceae family, possess a sour taste due to the presence of oxalic acid, a trait which has earned several members of the Oxalis genus the common name “sourgrass.” This characteristic not only distinguishes it among other flora but also has implications for its use in traditional practices and its interaction with the surrounding ecosystem.

As a species, Barrelier’s woodsorrel embodies both the beauty and complexity of tropical plant life in the Americas. Its study continues to provide valuable insights into the adaptation mechanisms and biodiversity of the region. The enduring legacy of its initial classification by Linnaeus underscores its significance within the botanical community, ensuring that Oxalis barrelieri remains a topic of interest for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: barrelier’s woodsorrel
Por: azedinha
Fra: oseille marron, oseille savane, trèfle
En: Barrelier’s woodsorrel
Fr: Trèfle, Oseille marron, Oseille savane, Trèfle à quatre feuilles, Pâte dentifrice
Pt: Azedinha

Synonyms

• Oxalis cajanifolia (A.St.-Hil.)
• Oxalis colombiensis (R.Knuth)
• Oxalis sepium var. picta (Progel)
• Oxalis barrelieri subsp. ianeirensis (R.Knuth)
• Oxalis lilloana (R.Knuth)
• Acetosella amazonica ((Progel) Kuntze)
• Lotoxalis barrelieri ((L.) Small)
• Oxalis barrelieri var. glabrescens (Progel)
• Acetosella barrelieri ((L.) Kuntze)
• Oxalis hedysaroides var. pubescens (Zucc.)
• Oxalis barrelieri subsp. blumenavensis (R.Knuth)
• Oxalis amazonica (Progel)

Distribution

• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Brazil Northeast (native)
• Brazil South (native)
• Brazil Southeast (native)
• Brazil West-Central (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• French Guiana (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Guyana (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Suriname (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Venezuelan Antilles (native)
• Cambodia (introduced)
• Cameroon (introduced)
• Caroline Is. (introduced)
• Christmas I. (introduced)
• Fiji (introduced)
• Ivory Coast (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Malaya (introduced)
• Marianas (introduced)
• New Guinea (introduced)
• Samoa (introduced)
• Society Is. (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• Sumatera (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Togo (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Apr 8, 2021 by N Y (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by Walter Diaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 6, 2020 by adibah abdul majid (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by Walter Diaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2021 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Sep 30, 2022 by Walter Diaz (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2022 by Mélanie Herteman (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 28, 2021 by Denis Bastianelli (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2019 by YudhaKN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 3, 2021 by Oliveira Vander (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Habit

Taken Dec 12, 2021 by Katarzyna Jezierska (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2019 by charles blancher (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – E. Castro (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Chloe PIERRE (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Mar 2, 2021 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 18, 2022 by pratiwir pratiwir (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Sep 11, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Feb 4, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Chloe PIERRE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – E. Castro (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 11, 2014 by OTS – Oviedo-Brenes, Federico (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – O. Vargas (cc-by-nc-sa)

Fruit

Taken Oct 11, 2012 by John Tasirin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 8, 2020 by Ikhsan Rakhmat Harahap (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2019 by OTS – E. Castro (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2022 by Janelle Jkhjung (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2891750)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:177777-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Oxalis barrelieri L.)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth