First, let’s clarify the pronunciation of the word, “酢” is a polyphonic character, pronounced as “cù” when referring to “sourness”. In ancient times, it was associated with “vinegar”, and since the leaves of the oxalis contain oxalic acid, which has a distinct sour taste, it is consistently pronounced as “cù” in “酢浆草”.
Purple Oxalis, belonging to the Oxalidaceae family and the Oxalis genus.
Common plants in the Oxalis genus include Yellow Flower Oxalis, Red Flower Oxalis, and Jointed Oxalis, all of which have green leaves. In spring, they can be found abundantly in grassy areas, and many friends have likely seen them. We can discuss them more in spring. Today, we focus on the purple variety.
This pot of Purple Oxalis has been an old friend of mine for many years. I bought the bulb a long time ago from an online store, planted it once, and it blooms every year, all year round.
The leaves of the Purple Oxalis are a major feature, with a rich purplish-red color that is especially vibrant in sunlight.
They can also appear almost black in deep purple.
The shape of the leaves is also quite unique, with each petiole topped with three small, inverted triangular leaflets. Do they resemble little bows? Or a group of purple butterflies fluttering about?
Another interesting phenomenon is the “sleep movement”. At night, on cloudy days, or in low light, the three small leaflets slowly fold and droop, as if they are “sleeping”. The flowers do the same. When the morning light returns, they will once again stretch and open.
The flowers of the Purple Oxalis are usually light pink or pale white, which appear particularly fresh and delicate against the backdrop of the deep purple leaves.
There are five petals, forming a standard umbel flower cluster, with several flowers clustered at the top of slender flower stalks.
The flowering period is quite long, and in warm regions, it can bloom intermittently from spring to autumn, and even into winter.
Recently, my pot of Purple Oxalis has started to bloom again, accompanying me with every sunrise and sunset.
