Family: Oxalidaceae
Origin, Description & Uses
Oxalis barrelieri (lavender sorrel; oseille marron) is native to Tropical America, where it grows in warm, humid environments. It is a fast-growing, low-spreading herb with clover-like, three-part leaves and small pink to lavender flowers. In some regions it has been used as an ornamental groundcover due to its delicate foliage and flowers, and it may occasionally be noted in traditional or informal uses as a weedy edible or curiosity plant, though it is not widely cultivated for food or landscape purposes.
Risks & Threats
This species is considered high risk because it can behave as an aggressive weed, especially in disturbed soils, gardens, lawns, and agricultural areas. It reproduces readily by abundant seed production and can form persistent populations that are difficult to remove once established. Like other Oxalis species, it may spread quickly and compete with desirable vegetation, reducing habitat quality and increasing management costs. Although Oxalis barrelieri is currently not known to be naturalized in the Hawaiian Islands, it does possess traits that are cause for concern, and which could detrimentally impact tropical island ecosystems. For this reason, it is best to avoid planting it in favor of low-risk or native alternatives when available.
High Risk Traits:
- Naturalized in several locations worldwide
- Thrives in tropical climates
- Disturbance and possible agricultural weed
- Genus with several weedy species
- Possible toxic effects if consumed in large quantities
- Tolerates many soil conditions (and potentially able to exploit many different habitat types)
- Able to reproduce in 1 year
- Small seeds dispersed from fleshy aril, breaking elastically and projecting the ripe seeds
- Small seeds also dispersed accidentally by people, water and possibly animals
Low Risk Traits:
- Unarmed
- Shade-intolerant
- Edible leaves (in moderation)
