Oxalis corniculata
OXALIDACEAE
Creeping Oxalis, Creeping Wood Sorrel, Procumbent Yellow Sorrel, Sleeping Beauty
Creeping, ankle high weed. Native to South Africa & Europe.
This weed has light sensitive leaves that fold up at night. Trifoliate green leaves which are subdivided into 3 leaves which can fold downwards, some leaves maybe purple (O.altopurpurea).Leaves have a lemony taste which can be infused in hot water, sweetened then chilled. High in vitamin C. Although safe in low doses, it can inhibit calcium absorption in the body if taken in large doses over a prolonged period.
Yellow 5 petalled flowers, 6mm, in clusters or single throughout the foliage. Throughout the year but mostly in spring.
The seed capsule is about 1-2cm long containing a single seed, the fruiting capsule is held on a bent stem, like a knee joint. Explosive pods that distribute the seed when ripe.
Common weed in gardens, crops & pastures or roadsides. May cause oxale poisoning, mostly to pregnant ewes that have been exposed to dense stands.
Manual removal, digging, mowing, grazing or herbicide application is effective but will take several years of persistence to totally eradicate this weed.