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Oxalis corniculata Yellow sorrel (1 Page of 5) The Oxalis corniculata plant species is found in Original habitat is obscure, it is naturalized in Britain. It is a member of the Oxalidaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Yellow sorrel. Some home gardeners know the variety as O. repens. Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses Latin Name: Oxalis corniculata Common Name: Yellow sorrel Family: Oxalidaceae Author: L. Known Hazards: The leaves contain oxalic acid, which gives them their sharp flavour. Perfectly all right in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since oxalic acid can bind up the body's supply of calcium leading to nutritional deficiency. The quantity of oxalic acid will be reduced if the leaves are cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[238]. Mature Height: 0.05 Mature Width: 0.3 Habitat: Arable land and waste places, it is a common garden weed[9, 17] where it tends to become especially troublesome in pots of plants growing in greenhouses etc[200].
Edible Uses: Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 46, 61, 105]. Added to salads, cooked as a potherb with other milder flavoured greens or used to give a sour flavour to other foods[183]. The leaves are available all year round unless the winter is very cold, they have a pleasantly sour taste[114], but are very small and fiddly to harvest[K]. The leaves contain about 86% water, 2.3% protein, 0.8% fat, 8.2% carbohydrate, 150mg calcium, 78mg phosphorus, 8mg iron, 0.6mg niacin, 78mg vitamin C, 6050µg beta carotene[173]. The leaves contain between 7 - 12% oxalate[218]. Use in moderation, see notes at top of sheet,
Flowers - raw. A nice acid flavour and a pleasant addition to the salad bowl[K].
For further Oxalis corniculata gardening information click on one of the blue links below Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses Medicinal | Edible Uses
The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'. View their bibliography

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