Carpet Sorrel

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.

The leaves of the plant are edible, and will yield a sour taste due to production of oxalic acid.

The growing period can be affected by location, however the plant generally begins to produce flowers in May and can last through to October with an active growth period between April and November. The plant remains dormant throughout the winter months, and can also slip into dormancy during the summer if conditions are too hot. It is one of the fewer species in the genus to propagate with the use of bulbs, bulbils and stolons. The bulbs begin sprouting in the falling temperatures of autumn months and spread underground with a system of lateral stems, facilitating the persistent nature of this species. The bulbs themselves are tiny, measuring only 5-9mm in length. They are ovoid in shape, often with pointed tips and surrounded by a brown papery cover.

Soil requirements. Oxalis glabra favors heavy soils and clay. However, it will grow easily in sandy and laterite soils.