Oxalis debilis
| Oxalis debilis | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Rosids |
| Order: | Oxalidales |
| Family: | Oxalidaceae |
| Genus: | Oxalis |
| Species: | O. debilis |
| Binomial name | |
| Oxalis debilis Kunth 1822 | |
| Varieties | |
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See text | |
Oxalis debilis, the large-flowered pink-sorrel or pink woodsorrel, is a perennial plant and herb in the family Oxalidaceae. Its original distribution is South America but has become a cosmopolitan species, occurring in all continents except Antarctica. It can be found in both temperate and tropical areas.
The flowers, leaves and roots are edible. There is concern that the plant should only be consumed in small amounts because it contains oxalic acid that can cause calcium deficiency if eaten in larger amounts. Studies show that this is an exaggerated fear. The leaves have what is considered a zesty lemony flavor.