Oxalis tenuifolia Jacq.

A bulbous perennial with erect, slender stems with dense rosettes of leaves in the upper part, each leaf composed of 3 leaflets, somewhat folded and with a rolled edge, and solitary purple to white flowers, to 3cm across, with purple margins and yellow throats, in winter.  [RHSD].  

Horticultural & Botanical History

‘This is a native of the Cape of Good Hope, the neighbourhood of which is celebrated for numerous sorts of this pretty genus. […] The blossoms rarely expand, but continue shut up, in which state, from the fine striped colour of their outsides, they are most beautiful.’  [LBC no.712/1823].

Oxalis tenuifolia was introduced to Britain in 1790 [JD] but this plant is probably Oxalis versicolor L.

History at Camden Park

Listed in all published catalogues [B.379/1843].

Notes

Oxalis tenuifolia Eckl. & Zeyh. (1834) = Oxalis multicaulis Eckl. & Zeyh..  Probably not this plant.

Oxalis tenuifolia E.Mey. (1843) = O. versicolor L. which see.

A less likely possibility is possibility is Oxalis geniculata Kn. & West, a Brazilian species.  This is a stemless bulbous perennial with tri-foliate leaves, the leaflets deeply notched, and brilliant yellow flowers with reddish streaks inside, singly on stems held above the foliage.  ‘[O. geniculata] has been distributed from collections under the name tenuifolia, but no two plants can be more dissimilar.’  [Floral Cab. p.21/1838].  

Published Jan 28, 2010 - 05:07 PM | Last updated Jan 28, 2010 - 05:13 PM


Figured are dense rosettes of leaves and flower buds, white with a purple edge.  Loddiges Botanical Cabinet no.712, 1823.

Oxalis tenuifolia Jacq. | LBC no.712/1823 | RBGS

More details about Oxalis tenuifolia Jacq.
Family Oxalidaceae
Category
Region of origin

South Africa

Synonyms
Common Name
Name in the Camden Park Record

Oxalis tenuifolia  

Confidence level high