Eat your weeds: Oxalis

Oxalis is of the Oxalidaceae family which has over 850 different species worldwide, with about 30 species in Australia, seven of these native. A number of species are grown as ornamental plants. Oxalis is from the Greek oksos meaning sour, referring to the taste of the leaves and stems.

A common weed, oxalis is actually part of the sorrel family and is found in most parts of the world, being especially diverse in the tropical areas of Brazil, Mexico and South Africa.

Oxalis originates from the highlands of South America where it has been cultivated since Incan times. The Incas domesticated many of their prized crops from pernicious weed species creating vigorous, low-maintenance vegetables that were able to thrive in adverse conditions.