Finger-leaf

Description

Oxalis glabra is a member of the wood-sorrel family, Oxalidaceae. It is only one of the 800 total species belonging to this family. The plant is commonly known as finger-leaf due to its trifoliate leaf structure. This trifoliate structure can be seen in variations throughout all members of the genus Oxalis. However, the particularly narrow leaflets of the glabra plant look more like fingers rather than a common clover. The plant is native to South Africa and can be found carpeting the ground of woodlands and bushlands. The entire plant height measures at 15 cm high and spreads out in a low to the ground dense leafy covering, much like a carpet. The flowers are complete and 5 parted, showing actinomorphic symmetry. From the receptacle 5 sharp lanceolate sepals emerge, unfused, surrounding the corolla. Each petal emerges in a spiral like fashion, initially wrapping around one another, but eventually opening up at full bloom. The petals are claw shaped, forming a narrow elongated yellow throat that opens up into a wide violet, white or pink lamina. the next whorl contains a ring of 10 stamen, followed by a whorl of 5 stigma, this is consistent with other species of the genus. Flowers are terminal and with a solitary inflorescence attached to an unbranched stem. If fertilized the flower yields a narrow fruit capsule from its superior ovary. Oxalis glabra originates from southern Africa in Cape Province and is now concentrated in the southwestern region of Australia. It can be found in the Darling Scarp from Bunbury to Augusta and inland to Narrogin and Toodyay, as well as in the Avon Wheatbelt, Geraldton Sandplain, Jarrah Forest, Swan Coastal Plain, and Warren. Bulbs can be easily spread via water, contaminated soil or organism interactions, such as ants. Though spread throughout Western Australia, no seeds from the plant have been found in the region. It will be able to establish itself best in environments that are already disturbed.