Least yellow-sorrel (Oxalis exilis, Ann. Nat. Hist. 3: 316 (1839))

Family: Oxalidaceae

Author: A.Cunn.

Bibliography: Ann. Nat. Hist. 3: 316 (1839)

Year: 1839

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Oxalis

Vegetable: False

Observations: Austalia, Norfolk I., New Zealand

Description

The Least yellow-sorrel, scientifically known as Oxalis exilis, is a fascinating plant species that belongs to the family Oxalidaceae. This delicate perennial is noted for its small, bright yellow flowers and trifoliate leaves, which are a defining characteristic of many plants in the Oxalis genus.

Oxalis exilis has a modest yet intriguing presence in its native habitats, including Australia, Norfolk Island, and New Zealand. The plant was first described in 1839 by the botanist Allan Cunningham, whose work was documented in the Annals of Natural History.

The Least yellow-sorrel thrives in a variety of environments, often appearing as a ground cover in open woodlands, grasslands, and disturbed sites where it can take advantage of sunlight and relatively open soil. Despite its unassuming size, Oxalis exilis can be quite hardy and resilient, making it a common sight within its geographical range.

The plant’s leaves are comprised of three heart-shaped leaflets, which close up at night or during overcast weather, in a movement known as nyctinasty. This is thought to be an adaptation to reduce water loss and protect the plant from cold temperatures. The bright yellow flowers of the Least yellow-sorrel are typically about 1 cm in diameter, and they bloom in clusters, adding a splash of color to the landscape.

Oxalis exilis is also a subject of interest due to its potential medicinal properties and its ecological role. As with many members of the Oxalidaceae family, it contains oxalic acid, which can be both a toxin and a beneficial compound, depending on the context and amount ingested.

While typically not considered an invasive species, the Least yellow-sorrel can spread readily in suitable habitats, sometimes becoming a weed in gardens and agricultural settings. Its ability to grow in a range of environmental conditions helps ensure its survival and persistence across its distribution area.

In conclusion, Oxalis exilis represents a blend of beauty and resilience within the family Oxalidaceae. Its presence in various regions of the Southern Hemisphere highlights its adaptability and the subtle yet important role it plays in its native ecosystems. Whether viewed as a charming wildflower or a tenacious garden weed, the Least yellow-sorrel remains a noteworthy species for botanists and plant enthusiasts alike.

Common Names

Eng: least yellow-sorrel, shady woodsorrel
Dan: spæd surkløver
Nno: dverggaukesyre
Nob: dverggjøkesyre
Swe: dvärgoxalis
Cym: suran felen fach, suran felen leiaf
En: Least Yellow-sorrel, Shady woodsorrel
Da: Spæd surkløver
Fr: Oxalide, Oxalis
Nb: Dverggjøkesyre
Nn: Dverggaukesyre
Sv: Dvärgoxalis
Cy: Suran Felen Fach, Suran Felen Leiaf

Synonyms

• Xanthoxalis exilis ((A.Cunn.) Holub)

Distribution

• New South Wales (native)
• New Zealand North (native)
• New Zealand South (native)
• Norfolk Is. (native)
• Queensland (native)
• South Australia (native)
• Tasmania (native)
• Victoria (native)
• Western Australia (native)
• Cook Is. (introduced)
• Czechoslovakia (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken May 9, 2008 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2022 by G G (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 21, 2022 by Charlotte Gaborieau (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 2, 2021 by Thanh Ngoc Nguyen (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Aug 28, 2021 by Martin Sanford (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2022 by G G (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 22, 2022 by G G (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 22, 2022 by Boris Therock (cc-by-sa)

© 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/3626311)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:374902-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Oxalis exilis A.Cunn.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth