Oxalis spiralis explained

Oxalis spiralis, the spiral sorrel, is a species of plant of the genus Oxalis, a member of the wood sorrel family Oxalidaceae.

Taxonomy

The following subspecies are accepted:

• Oxalis spiralis subsp. spiralis
• Oxalis spiralis subsp. membranifolia (R.Knuth) Lourteig
• Oxalis spiralis subsp. trichophora Lourteig
• Oxalis spiralis subsp. vulcanicola (Donn.Sm.) Lourteig – volcanic sorrel, velvet oxalis

Distribution

Oxalis spiralis is native to Central America and western South America.

Cultivation

Spiral sorrel is cultivated for its ornamental value. Several cultivars of Oxalis spiralis subsp. vulcanicola are available, including:

• O. spiralis subsp. vulcanicola 'Aureus' – bright yellow-green foliage
• O. spiralis subsp. vulcanicola 'Molten Lava' – bright yellow-green and copper-red foliage
• O. spiralis subsp. vulcanicola 'Zinfandel' – dark purple, nearly black foliage
• O. spiralis subsp. vulcanicola 'Plum Crazy' – dark purple foliage, randomly variegated