Oxalis erythrorhiza

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Acetosella erythrorhiza
• Oxalis guessfeldtii
• Oxalis hosseana
• Oxalis bryoides
• Acetosella bryoides
• Oxalis riojana

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Oxalidales, it is specifically categorized under the family Oxalidaceae. Its taxonomic identity is further defined by its placement in the genus Oxalis.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily distributed across the southern regions of South America. Its presence is notable in the northern and central parts of Chile. Additionally, the species can be found stretching into the northwestern territories of Argentina. It also occupies specific habitats located within southern Argentina. Consequently, its range covers a diverse longitudinal stretch across the southern half of the continent.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Oxalis erythrorhiza is characterized by its presence in high-altitude montane environments, where it occupies a specific vertical niche within its habitat. This species is distributed across a significant altitudinal gradient, thriving at elevations ranging from a minimum of 1500 m AMSL to a maximum of 4300 m AMSL. Such a broad elevational range suggests an ability to adapt to varying environmental pressures, including fluctuations in temperature, atmospheric pressure, and UV exposure typical of alpine and sub-alpine zones. Its ability to persist at these high elevations indicates a specialized tolerance for the physiological stresses associated with mountain ecosystems.

Elevational range max:

4300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1500 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Oxalis erythrorhiza is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist in its habitat through multiple growing seasons. As a perennial, it relies on specialized underground structures, typically reddish rhizomes or tubers, to store nutrients and survive periods of dormancy or unfavorable environmental conditions. This lifecycle enables the plant to re-emerge annually, often following a seasonal pattern where it develops foliage and flowering structures during favorable moisture and temperature windows. By maintaining these perennial survival strategies, the plant can establish a stable presence in its ecological niche, utilizing its stored energy to support reproductive efforts and vegetative expansion over several years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Oxalis erythrorhiza is characterized by its growth form as a non-woody herb, specifically classified as a forb. It functions as a self-supporting plant rather than a climber, maintaining an upright or spreading stature through its own structural integrity. The species is an independent organism, showing no parasitic behavior, and is primarily terrestrial in its habitat, though it may occupy environments ranging from aquatic to semiaquatic conditions. Its physical structure lacks any woody tissue, remaining entirely herbaceous throughout its life cycle.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

non-woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Oxalis erythrorhiza has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include EMBELIN.

EMBELIN

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Oxalis erythrorhiza has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include Chagas' disease.

Chagas' disease

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Oxalis erythrorhiza has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include extracts.

Extracts

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology