Oxalis Deppei named Iron Cross is a photograph by J McCombie which was uploaded on March 2nd, 2012.
Oxalis Deppei named Iron Cross
Oxalis tetraphylla (often still traded under its syn. O. deppei) is a bulbous plant from Mexico. A common name is Iron Cross, after a famous... more
by J McCombie
Title
Oxalis Deppei named Iron Cross
Artist
J McCombie
Medium
Photograph
Description
Oxalis tetraphylla (often still traded under its syn. O. deppei) is a bulbous plant from Mexico. A common name is "Iron Cross", after a famous cultivar; it is also known as "lucky clover", and in a wild or feral state as Four-leaf Sorrel or, least ambiguously, Four-leaved Pink-sorrel.
It has leaves divided into four and has been called "lucky leaf" and even "four-leaf clover", but 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. 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.
Oxalis deppei 'Iron Cross' (Iron Cross Oxalis) - This bulb, sometimes grown for its edible tubers, is grown by most gardeners for its attractive leaves that are composed of 4 large leaflets that have a strong dark purplish band at their bases, forming a cross like design in the center of the leaf. The leaves that stand up 6 to 12 inches tall are otherwise a bright green that contrast well with this cross and in the summer into fall appear bright pink flowers. Plant in sun or part shade and give occasional to regular irrigation. This plant can remain hardy in frost free gardens and is hardy to around 10° F as a dormant bulb. This Mexican native was introduced into cultivation during the heyday of plant collecting in Victorian times and has proven itself garden worthy and non-invasive. The foliage, containing the poisonous Oxaloacetate, has a lemony taste that when used with moderation is not considered harmful and is often in foods cooked and fresh. Oxalis deppei is synonomized by some authors with Oxalis tetraphylla while others insist they are distinctly different plants.
Uploaded
March 2nd, 2012