Scientific name: Oxalis corymbosa D.C.

Synonym: Oxalis martiana Zucc.

Common name: Lilac oxalis, pink shamrock

Family: Oxalidaceae

Origin:

Native of South America.

Habit:

Perennial herb without a stem, leaves with long petioles emerge from an underground bulb 1.5-3 cm long.

Habitat:

Common weed of gardens and lawns.

General description:

Stems and leaves

Parent bulb produces many small bulbils 3-6 mm long. Leaves have petioles (leaf stalks) 5-30 cm long and blades divided into three heart-shaped leaflets, 2-4.5 × 2-5.5 cm. Leaves are spotted on the undersides.

Flowers and fruit

Flowers are funnel-shaped with five pink, mauve petals 1.5-2 cm long. Flowers are borne in bunches at the top of an erect stalk which emerges from the mature bulb. Flowering occurs in spring and summer. Fruits are rarely produced, the plant usually reproduces asexually via bulbs.

Distinguishing characteristics:

A soft herb without stems, with leaves divided into three heart-shaped leaflets 2-4.5 × 2-5.5 cm on long slender petioles 5-30 cm tall. Flowers are pink and funnel form 1.5-2 cm long.

Noxious status:

All Oxalis spp. 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 1. Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane.