Broadleaf wood-sorrel (Oxalis latifolia, F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 5: 237 (1822))

Family: Oxalidaceae

Author: Kunth

Bibliography: F.W.H.von Humboldt, A.J.A.Bonpland & C.S.Kunth, Nov. Gen. Sp. 5: 237 (1822)

Year: 1822

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Oxalis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Trop. & Subtrop. America

Description

Broadleaf wood-sorrel, known scientifically as Oxalis latifolia, is a remarkable plant species from the family Oxalidaceae. This species was first described in 1822 by the renowned botanist Kunth, in collaboration with F.W.H. von Humboldt and A.J.A. Bonpland, in their monumental work, Nova Genera et Species Plantarum.

Native to tropical and subtropical regions of America, broadleaf wood-sorrel thrives in a variety of environments, demonstrating a remarkable adaptability. Characterized by its broad, trifoliate leaves and delicate, typically pink or purple flowers, Oxalis latifolia is not only a visual delight but also an interesting subject of botanical study. Each leaflet tends to fold and droop at night, a notable behavior among members of the Oxalidaceae family, showcasing the plant’s sensitivity to light and its adaptation mechanisms.

Broadleaf wood-sorrel is often encountered in disturbed areas, grasslands, and forest clearings where it can proliferate rapidly. Its clonal growth habit allows it to spread efficiently, making it a common presence in its native range. Despite its fragile appearance, this species exhibits a robust growth pattern that enables it to compete successfully with other flora in its habitat.

Beyond its ecological presence, broadleaf wood-sorrel has captured the attention of herbalists and naturalists alike. Its leaves, which possess a tart, lemony flavor due to the presence of oxalic acid, are sometimes used in salads and as a culinary garnish. However, it is important to consume them in moderation because high quantities of oxalic acid can be harmful.

In summary, with its distinctive broad leaves and adaptability to various environments, Oxalis latifolia exemplifies the resilient and diverse nature of the plant world. Studied by notable botanists of the 19th century, this species continues to intrigue and delight those who encounter it in the wild.

Common Names

Ita: acetosella
Deu: breitblättriger sauerklee
Eng: garden pink-sorrel, broadleaf wood-sorrel, broadleaf woodsorrel, fishtail oxalis, large-leaf wood-sorrel, pink shamrock, purple-flower oxalis
Fra: oxalide à larges feuilles, oxalis à larges feuilles
Por: azedinha, azedinha-de-folha-cortada, azedinha-de-folhas-roxas, trevo
Ces: šťavel širolistý
Nld: brede klaverzuring
Cym: suran ruddgoch yr ardd
En: Broadleaf wood-sorrel, Garden pink-sorrel, Large-leaf wood-sorrel, Fishtail oxalis, Pink shamrock, Purple-flower oxalis, Broadleaf woodsorrel, Broadleaf sorrel, Pink garden sorrel, Sorrel, Umngumungwana, Umungumungwana
Af: Peink tuinsuring
Eu: Barrabas-belar
Ca: Pa de cucut de fulla ample
Zh: 宽叶酢浆草
Cs: Šťavel širolistý
Nl: Brede klaverzuring
Fi: Eväkäenkaali
Fr: Oxalide à larges feuilles, Oxalis à larges feuilles, Oxalide à feuilles larges, Oxalis à feuilles larges, Gros-Trèfle
De: Breitblättriger Sauerklee
It: Acetosella, Acetosella a foglie larghe
Fa: شبدر ترشک باغچه
Pt: Azedinha-de-folhas-roxas, Azedinha, Azedinha-de-folha-cortada, Trevo
Qu: Uqa-uqa
Sn: Gungwe, Kahungwarara
Es: Trebol, Boliche, Hierba de jardín, Chulco
Zh-tw: 寛葉酢浆草
Cy: Suran ruddgoch yr ardd

Synonyms

• Oxalis tetraphylla f. triphylla (Sennen)
• Oxalis tetraphylla var. triphylla (Sennen)
• Oxalis violacea subsp. latifolia ((Kunth) Kuntze)
• Sassia latifolia ((Kunth) Holub)
• Ionoxalis latifolia ((Kunth) Rose)
• Acetosella violacea subsp. latifolia ((Kunth) Kuntze)

Distribution

• Argentina Northwest (native)
• Arizona (native)
• Bahamas (native)
• Belize (native)
• Bolivia (native)
• California (native)
• Colombia (native)
• Costa Rica (native)
• Cuba (native)
• Dominican Republic (native)
• Ecuador (native)
• El Salvador (native)
• Guatemala (native)
• Haiti (native)
• Honduras (native)
• Jamaica (native)
• Leeward Is. (native)
• Mexico Central (native)
• Mexico Gulf (native)
• Mexico Northeast (native)
• Mexico Northwest (native)
• Mexico Southeast (native)
• Mexico Southwest (native)
• New Mexico (native)
• Nicaragua (native)
• Panamá (native)
• Peru (native)
• Puerto Rico (native)
• Texas (native)
• Trinidad-Tobago (native)
• Turks-Caicos Is. (native)
• Venezuela (native)
• Windward Is. (native)
• Alabama (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Bangladesh (introduced)
• Bermuda (introduced)
• Brazil South (introduced)
• Brazil Southeast (introduced)
• Brazil West-Central (introduced)
• Burundi (introduced)
• Cameroon (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Cape Provinces (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• East Himalaya (introduced)
• Eritrea (introduced)
• Ethiopia (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Free State (introduced)
• Galápagos (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• India (introduced)
• Iran (introduced)
• Ireland (introduced)
• Jawa (introduced)
• Kenya (introduced)
• Krym (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Mauritius (introduced)
• Mozambique (introduced)
• Myanmar (introduced)
• Namibia (introduced)
• Nepal (introduced)
• New Caledonia (introduced)
• Northern Provinces (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Rwanda (introduced)
• Réunion (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• Sri Lanka (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Sudan (introduced)
• Tanzania (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Uganda (introduced)
• West Himalaya (introduced)
• Zambia (introduced)
• Zaïre (introduced)
• Zimbabwe (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Aug 23, 2017 by Tercie Kadan (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 13, 2017 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 16, 2018 by Pep Secem (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Jan 25, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 24, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2018 by Fejul Xeto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2017 by Tercie Kadan (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 30, 2021 by William Coville (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 10, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 17, 2014 by EOL − estefaniafernandez (cc-by-nc)

Taken Nov 23, 2010 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2022 by randovu (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 9, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 6, 2020 by Nicolato Marilena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 11, 2019 by Gérard Foucher (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 13, 2020 by Sabaté Sant Jordi (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 30, 2022 by John Sycorax (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 9, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 11, 2021 by eric darras (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 9, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Marcel ETIENNE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 27, 2021 by cuy 1101 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Jessica Pottmeyer (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2891755)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:375051-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Oxalis latifolia Kunth)

Specifications

Growth habit>: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 8.0

Ph minimum: 7.5

Light: 7

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 7