OXALIDACEAE

Oxalis obliquifolia

Skewleaf Sorrel

Wildflowers

Local Context

Only estate record so far grows in shade near the western fence to the right of service road after the drainage line. Found in open or wooded grassland, savanna, rocky slopes, and disturbed areas, often growing in sandy or stony soils.

Identification

Growth: Small, stemless perennial herb (6–20 cm tall) growing from a single underground bulb that is round or egg-shaped with rough, brown, net-like scales.
Flowers: Bright pink, rose, purple, or rarely white with a yellow center, appearing alone on long, upright stalks that are often longer than the leaves; the petals form a funnel shape (1.4–2.5 cm long).
Leaves: Arranged in a rosette at ground level, consisting of three clover-like leaflets that are wider than they are long and often notched at the tip; the leaflets are usually smooth but can have small pits (dots) when dry.
Texture: Flower stalks are often hairy; leaves are mostly smooth but can be slightly hairy underneath or on the edges.
Fruit: Small round capsule (3–3.5 mm) containing light brown seeds.

Did You Know?

Oxalis obliquifolia follows a "bedtime routine" called nyctinastic sleep. During the day, its clover-like leaflets spread wide to soak up sunlight, but as the sun sets or clouds appear, they fold up or droop. This movement is powered by an internal clock and special joints that change water pressure to move the leaves without muscles. This "sleep" likely helps the plant stay warm, keeps its pollen dry, and hides it from hungry nocturnal insects.

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