Family oxalidaceae
Originating from South America
Bulbous perennial forming a low growing mound of clover-like, black/dark purple leaves, made up of three triangle-shaped leaflets. In summer it produces clusters of small pink/white funnel-shaped flowers held above the foliage. The leaves close like butterfly wings in the evenings and open the following morning. More commonly cultivated as a house plant we’ve grown it outdoors for several years and it returns and multiplies each spring, weaving itself between and providing a dark contrast to golden yuccas in a gravel bed. Also great in containers.
Grow in moist but well-drained soil in sun. Plants may develop rusty spots later in summer. We’ve never resorted to using a fungicide but simply snip off all foliage and it grows back within 3 weeks.
Height and spread after 2 – 3 years 20cm x 15cm
Semi-mature height and spread after 4 – 5 years 20cm x 30cm
