Family: Oxalidaceae
Author: Cav.
Bibliography: Icon. 3: 19 (1795)
Year: 1795
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Oxalis
Vegetable: False
Observations: Mexico to C. America
Description
The Four-leaf pink-sorrel, scientifically known as Oxalis tetraphylla, is a noteworthy member of the Oxalidaceae family. With its origins tracing back to the regions from Mexico to Central America, this plant has captivated the attention of botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.
Characterized by its distinctively charming four-leaf formation, the Four-leaf pink-sorrel is often admired for its lush, vibrant foliage. Each leaf comprises four heart-shaped leaflets, setting it apart from the more commonly seen three-leaf variants within the Oxalis genus. The leaves themselves are not just a visual delight but are considered to bring good luck to those who find them, much like the legendary four-leaf clover.
Blooming seasonally, the Four-leaf pink-sorrel produces delicate, pink-hued flowers that lend an additional layer of beauty to this already attractive plant. These blossoms usually form in small clusters, creating a striking contrast against the lush green leaves. The flowers are not only visually appealing but also play a critical role in the plant’s reproduction and lifecycle.
Oxalis tetraphylla prefers well-drained soils and can thrive in a variety of light conditions, though it tends to favor partial shade to mimic its natural habitat. These adaptability traits make it a popular choice for ornamental gardens and as a potted plant for indoor spaces. Its low-maintenance nature coupled with its ornamental appeal makes it an excellent choice for both novice and seasoned gardeners.
In terms of historical botanical documentation, the Four-leaf pink-sorrel was first recorded in Icon. 3: 19 in the year 1795 by Cav. This early identification and classification laid the groundwork for further studies and appreciation of this unique species.
Cultivating Oxalis tetraphylla can also be an educational journey. It serves as a fascinating subject for studying plant morphology and adaptation, given its geographical spread from Mexico to Central America. The way this plant has adapted to different environmental conditions over time is a testament to its resilience and versatility.
In conclusion, the Four-leaf pink-sorrel (Oxalis tetraphylla) is more than just a garden plant. It is a symbol of natural beauty, adaptability, and a touch of botanical history. Whether you’re drawn to it for its purported luck-bringing leaves, its beautiful flowers, or its easy care requirements, this plant stands as a delightful addition to any plant collection.
Common Names
Eng: fleshy yellow-sorrel, four-leaved pink-sorrel, four-leaf pink-sorrel, good-luck-leaf, lucky-clover
Deu: glücksklee, vierblättriger sauerklee
Dan: knoldet surkløver, lykkekløver
Fra: oxalide à quatre folioles, oxalis à quatre folioles
Por: cruz-de-ferro, trevo, trevo-da-sorte, trevo-de-quatro-folhas
Hun: levágottlevleű madársóska
Swe: rosettoxalis, surklöverrova
Nld: geluksklaver
Cym: suran bedair deilen
En: Four-leaf pink-sorrel, Good-luck-leaf, Lucky-clover, Four-leaved Sorrel, Fleshy Yellow-sorrel, Four-leaved Pink-sorrel, Lucky Clover
Bg: Четирилистно киселче
Da: Knoldet surkløver, Lykkekløver
Nl: Geluksklaver, Zuringklaver
Fr: Oxalide à quatre folioles, Oxalis à quatre folioles, Trèfle à quatre feuilles
De: Glücksklee, Vierblättriger Sauerklee, Sauerkleerübe
Hu: Levágottlevleű madársóska
Lt: Valgomasis kiškiakopūstis
Pt: Cruz-de-ferro, Trevo, Trevo-da-sorte, Trevo-de-quatro-folhas
Ru: Кислица четырёхлистная
Es: Cruz de hierro
Sv: Rosettoxalis, Surklöverrova
Cy: Suran bedair deilen
Synonyms
- Sassia tetraphylla ((Cav.) Holub)
- Acetosella tetraphylla ((Cav.) Kuntze)
- Ionoxalis tetraphylla ((Cav.) Rose)
Distribution
- El Salvador (native)
- Guatemala (native)
- Mexico Central (native)
- Mexico Gulf (native)
- Mexico Northeast (native)
- Mexico Southeast (native)
- Mexico Southwest (native)
- Panamá (native)
- Assam (introduced)
- Austria (introduced)
- Cameroon (introduced)
- France (introduced)
- Great Britain (introduced)
- India (introduced)
- Jawa (introduced)
- Korea (introduced)
- Réunion (introduced)
- Vietnam (introduced)
- West Himalaya (introduced)
- Yugoslavia (introduced)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Sep 17, 2020 by jonny01 (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 21, 2020 by Kielbasa Pablo (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 2, 2020 by Luc Temmerman (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 22, 2020 by Fanny Cheung (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 15, 2022 by Bara Wentzky (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Jul 31, 2020 by Tess (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 24, 2019 by marie sue (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 23, 2020 by Eska (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 10, 2020 by Kancler Kancler (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 12, 2019 by Carolyn Carolyn Jones (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken May 23, 2020 by Pricia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 18, 2020 by Simon Frey (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 31, 2020 by Nicolas B (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 1, 2021 by Flo Flore (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 15, 2022 by Lamarque Patrice (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 9, 2020 by Rico Mende (cc-by-sa)
Bark
Taken Oct 12, 2022 by Philip Huckle (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2021 by Jessica Pottmeyer (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.
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/7560711)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:375466-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Oxalis tetraphylla Cav.)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 6.5
Light: 7
Atmospheric humidity: 5
Soil nutriments: 5
