Oxalis triangularis (false shamrock)

Japanese name: オキザリス トリアングラリス
Scientific name: Oxalis triangularis

[Overview]
A perennial grown as an ornamental, reaching about 30 cm in height.
It has a rhizome and no aboveground stem.
The leaves are basal and consist of 3 leaflets.
The leaflets open flat and are inverted triangular, with the middle of the outer edge slightly notched.
The leaves are green or dark reddish purple, with a pale V-shaped marking in the center.
The petiole is 15–25 cm long.
The leaflets close and droop at night.
An umbel at the tip of a flower stalk held higher than the leaves bears 5-petaled flowers in pale pink to white.
It is evergreen if temperatures are sufficient, and flowers throughout the year.

[Cultivation]
Propagate by dividing the bulbs.
It can overwinter outdoors in areas without frost.
In cold regions, protect it from frost in winter or bring it indoors to a sunny spot.
It is easy to grow and multiplies well in a sunny, well-drained location.
For potted plants, water thoroughly when the soil surface dries during the growing period, and keep it on the dry side during dormancy.
For plants in the ground, rainfall is sufficient.
It is tolerant of dryness.
Fertilizer is not particularly necessary.
There are no particular pests or diseases.

View this page in Japanese (日本語)