Largeflower pink-sorrel
Oxalis debilis
This plant exhibits nyctinasty; its clover-like leaves and pink blossoms fold downward at night or during heavy overcast weather, 'sleeping' until the sun returns.
- Scientific name
- Oxalis debilis
- Taxonomy
- Plantae › Tracheophyta › Magnoliopsida › Oxalidales › Oxalidaceae › Oxalis
- IUCN Red List status
- Least Concern
- Population trend
- increasing
- Biome
- urban
- Habitat
- Gardens, lawns, urban parks, disturbed areas, and open woodlands.
- Diet
- Autotrophic (Photosynthesis)
- Range
- South America, North America, Eurasia, Africa, Australia
- Size
- 10 to 30 cm tall
- Lifespan
- Perennial (individual bulbs can live for several years)
- Active
- diurnal
- Threats
- Herbicide application, heavy soil compaction, and intensive weeding.
- Safe to approach?
- Harmless to touch and appreciate. However, the plant contains high levels of oxalic acid; do not ingest in large quantities. Keep pets away, as eating large amounts can cause oxalic acid poisoning. If a pet ingests a large quantity, seek veterinary advice.
Oxalis debilis , the large-flowered pink-sorrel or pink woodsorrel , is a perennial plant and herb in the Oxalidaceae family. Its original distribution is South America but has become a very cosmopolitan species, occurring in all continents except Antarctica. It can be found in both temperate and tropical areas.
Photo: 葉子, CC0, via iNaturalist
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