Family: Oxalidaceae
Common name: Broadleaf woodsorrel, Sorrel, Garden pink-sorrel, Fishtail oxalis
Broadleaf woodsorrel is a wild plant in the wood sorrel family, commonly seen in gardens, agricultural land, roadsides, open areas, almost everywhere in tropical weather.
They are considered invasive weeds in India because of the speed at which they spread, and the difficulty in removing them completely from the soil.
Plant characteristics
The root system of the Broadleaf woodsorrel is what helps it to grow quickly and spread over large areas.
They have stolons that grow about 10-15 cm long before producing bulbils that can send out more leaves. Leaves grow directly from the bulbs, and hence the plant does not have any stem to speak of.
Leaf stalks of the broadleaf woodsorrel are about 25-30 cm long, dark green or tinged red, and growing in plenty from the ground. They also break off easily from the stem when they are pulled on, this making it difficult to remove the plant with its bulbs.
Leaves are a distinguishing feature of the Broadleaf woodsorrel, with 3 heart-shaped or fishtail-shaped leaflets arising from the center.
They can fold up beautifully like origami, and this happens in the night, or when there is not enough sun. The leaves fold up like an umbrella during the night or when they are disturbed.
Each leaflet is 3-5 cm long, broad, deep green in color, sometimes with a reddish tinge. Flowers are very pretty indeed – pink in color with five distinct petals and a greenish-yellow center that has prominent stamens and distinctive markings.
Each flower is 1-2 cm in diameter and held aloft on long, slender stalks that rise above the foliage. The petals form a cup-like shape, and are highly attractive to bees, insects, butterflies, ants, and other small pollinators.
The broadleaf sorrel plants also produce small capsule-like fruits that are 3-4 mm long and contain numerous tiny orange to dark yellow seeds.
When the fruits ripen, they burst open releasing the seeds, aiding its propagation.
Gardening Tips
Broadleaf woodsorrel is a wild plant that grows well in good sunlight and well-drained soil. They can tolerate partial shade, but they prefer soil that is not clumpy or clayey since the root structure of this plant is quite elaborate.
They love the rainy season so that their water needs are met. Broadleaf woodsorrel plants are considered invasive weeds since they can grow well in agricultural land harming other seedlings. These plants are difficult to remove since any small bulb left in the soil can produce new plants.
The roots stolons can spread over long distances making it difficult to remove all the pieces. Handpicking does not work at all. Tilling the soil will only help in spreading the bulbs far apart. Herbicides are the only effective method to remove Broadleaf woodsorrels from the soil.
Uses of Broadleaf woodsorrel
These plants have been used in traditional herbal medicine in the treatment of wounds, skin diseases, and ulcers.
They are said to have antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Parts of the plant were eaten as vegetable, or made into tea. Leaves can be eaten raw or pickled.
But the plant contains oxalic acid which can cause mild toxicity in pets. So the plant should not be consumed without expert advise.
Propagation
Propagation is through seeds and root bulbs. Each plant produces a large network of stolons and bulbs that can be dug up and replanted to produce new plants.
Left alone, the plant can slowly creep underground and invade new areas, and hence they are considered invasive weeds in many countries.
Photographed at: Nagavara, Bangalore
