Scientific name: Oxalis corniculata L.Synonym: Oxalis repens Thunb.Common names: Creeping oxalis, yellow wood-sorrelFamily: OxalidaceaeOrigin:Native of Europe. Habit:Perennial herb with prostrate, creeping stems and a woody tap root. Habitat:Weed of tended areas. General description:Stems and leavesStems are prostrate lying on the surface of the soil. A taproot may develop but it does not become stout or woody. Leaves are compound with three heart-shaped leaflets like a clover leaf, 0.5-1.8 × 0.8-2.3 cm. leaves have petioles (leaf stalks) 1-8 cm long. Flowers and fruitFlowers are yellow, funnel-shaped with 5 petals 4-10 mm long. Flowers are borne singly or in clusters of 2-7. The fruits are cylindrical capsules 1-2.5 cm long. Distinguishing characteristics:Small creeping perennial herb with small clover-like leaves and yellow funnel-shaped flowers with 5 petals. Noxious status:All species of Oxalis are declared noxious in Western Australia and Tasmania. Sources:Kleinschmidt, H.E., Holland, A. and Simpson, P. (1996). Suburban Weeds. 3rd Edition. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. Stanley, T.E. and Ross, E.M. (1983-1989). Flora of South-eastern Queensland. Volume 2. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane. Anonymous. (2000). Noxious Weed List for Australian States and Territories. Prepared by the National Weeds Strategy Executive Committee. Auld, B.A. and Medd, R.W. (1996). Weeds: An Illustrated Botanical Guide to Weeds of Australia. Inkata Press, Sydney. |