Oxalis VALDIVIENSIS - Valdivian wood sorrel, Chilean wood sorrel.
Oxalis is a genus of tuberous and bulbous plants in the wood sorrel family (Oxalidaceae), encompassing over 800 species varying in foliage color and shape. The plants are native to Mexico and South Africa. In the wild, they also occur in Russia, Mongolia, China, and Turkey. They thrive best in shade and partial shade: in coniferous forests, woodland edges, and along riverbanks.
The rhizome is creeping, cone-like, and elongated. The compound leaves have triangular or heart-shaped leaflets. Reticulate venation is clearly visible across the leaf blade. Petioles measure from 5 to 15 cm (2.0 to 5.9 in). Depending on the species, the foliage can be purple, burgundy, bright green, or dark blue. Forms with contrasting patterns also occur.
It blooms from late May until December with yellow, pink, lilac, or white flowers. Umbel-like clusters close toward evening and in overcast weather. Seeds mature inside a capsule.
Oxalis valdiviensis features light green leaves on long petioles (30-35 cm (11.8-13.8 in)) and golden-yellow flowers with red stripes. It is used as a standalone potted plant or as a groundcover in large planters alongside specimen plants, as well as an edging plant for group plantings on lawns and flowerbeds. The plant cannot tolerate snow cover, but it withstands brief frosts down to -5 °C (23 °F) (typical morning frosts of central Chile).