Oxalis tuberosa
Oxalis tuberosa
Safety & Hazards
The leaves contain oxalic acid, which gives them their sharp flavour. Perfectly all right in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since oxalic acid can bind up the body's supply of calcium leading to nutritional deficiency. The quantity of oxalic acid will be reduced if the leaves are cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[ 238 Title Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Publication Author Bown. D. Publisher Dorling Kindersley, London. Year 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31 Description A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant. ].
Botanical Description
Oxalis tuberosa is a herbaceous perennial plant growing 45cm or more tall from a tuberous rootstock. The stems are at first erect, but become more prostrate later[ 418 Title Ecocrop Publication Author Website http://ecocrop.fao.org/ecocrop/srv/en/home Publisher Year 0 ISBN Description Basic information on a wide range of useful plants, plus details of environmental needs where available. ]. The plant is widely cultivated in the Andes for its edible tubers, there are many named varieties[ 33 Title Rare Vegetables for Garden and Table. Publication Author Organ. J. Publisher Faber Year 1960 ISBN - Description Unusual vegetables that can be grown outdoors in Britain. A good guide. , 97 Title The Ethno-Botany of Pre-Columbian Peru. Publication Author Towle. M. A. Publisher Aldine Publishing Co. Chicago. Year 1961 ISBN Description A very interesting book covering quite a lot of information on plant uses in S. America although many of the plants are not suitable for temperate areas. , 301 Title Cornucopia II Publication Author Facciola. S. Publisher Kampong Publications, California. Year 1998 ISBN 0-9628087-2-5 Description The second edition of an excellent guide to the edible uses of plants, though it does not give any details of cultivation etc. ].