About Oxalis pes-caprae L.
The flowers of Oxalis pes-caprae L. are actinomorphic. They have a calyx made of five free or slightly fused sepals, a sympetalous corolla made of five fused petals, an androecium of ten free stamens arranged in two ranks, and a compound pistil. Native populations of this species in South Africa are heterostylous. In long-styled plants, the stigma sits above the two ranks of stamens; in mid-styled plants, the stigma sits between the two ranks of stamens; and in short-styled plants, the stigma sits below both ranks of stamens. In the non-native range of Oxalis pes-caprae, plants mostly reproduce vegetatively, many populations only have one style length, and the plants never produce seed. Like most African Oxalis species, Oxalis pes-caprae produces adventitious subterranean propagules. Botanically, these propagules are true bulbs, which is an unusual trait among dicotyledons. O. pes-caprae produces large numbers of small bulbs, while most other African Oxalis species produce fewer, larger bulbs. The plant is palatable, and in moderate amounts it is reasonably harmless to both humans and livestock. In South Africa, it is a traditional ingredient in dishes such as waterblommetjiebredie, also called 'water flower stew'. This plant has been used in various ways as a source of oxalic acid, as food, and in folk medicine. Raw bulbs have been used to treat tapeworm and potentially other worms. The plant has been used as a diuretic, a use that may be hazardous. The fleshy lateral underground runners of this plant have been eaten raw or boiled and served with milk. The golden petals can be used to produce a yellow dye.
