Oxalis tuberosa

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Distribution

This plant is native to several distinct regions across the South American continent. In Northern South America, its presence is recorded within the borders of Venezuela. Moving toward the western part of the continent, it can be found growing in Colombia. The species also extends its range into Ecuador and Peru within the western territories. Finally, its distribution reaches further south into the western region of Bolivia.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Oxalis tuberosa is characterized by a versatile distribution across varying altitudes, typically thriving within an elevational range that spans from a minimum of 1200 m AMSL to a maximum of 3000 m AMSL. While it is well-adapted to high-altitude environments, its ecological footprint also extends into lowland habitats, demonstrating a significant capacity for environmental plasticity. This broad altitudinal gradient allows the species to inhabit diverse mountain ecosystems and lower-lying regions, adjusting to the specific climatic and soil conditions found across these distinct topographical zones.

Elevational range max:

3000 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

1200 m AMSL

Habitat :

Lowland

Life history

The life history of Oxalis tuberosa is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a cryptophyte, it survives unfavorable environmental conditions by keeping its vital organs protected underground. Specifically, its life form is classified as a geophyte, meaning it relies on specialized underground storage organs—in this case, tubers—to endure dormancy and facilitate regrowth when conditions become favorable.

Life form :

geophyte

Life form :

cryptophyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Oxalis tuberosa is characterized by a growth form of a non-woody herb, typically presenting as a forb. It is a terrestrial species that functions as an independent organism, lacking any parasitic tendencies. As a self-supporting plant, it does not exhibit climbing behavior such as a vine or liana, nor does it act as an epiphyte. In terms of stature, the plant maintains a relatively low profile, with an average plant height of approximately 0.4 m and a maximum height that reaches up to 0.75 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.75 m

Plant height mean:

0.4 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Oxalis tuberosa is characterized by a specialized metabolic framework optimized for tuberous storage and nutrient management within diverse environmental conditions. As a perennial herb, its physiological processes center on the efficient translocation of photosynthates from the trifoliate leaves to underground storage organs, where complex carbohydrates are sequestered to facilitate dormancy and regrowth. A critical component of its chemical physiology is the synthesis and regulation of oxalic acid, which serves as a primary metabolic byproduct and a mechanism for regulating calcium levels within the plant tissues. Regarding its interaction with soil nutrient cycles, the plant does not possess the physiological mechanisms required for symbiotic nitrogen fixation; therefore, it is not a nitrogen fixer. This lack of intrinsic nitrogen-fixing capability means the plant relies entirely on the availability of inorganic nitrogen sources in the soil to support its vegetative growth and the energetic demands of tuber development.

Nitrogen fixer :

no

Reproduction

The reproduction of Oxalis tuberosa involves both sexual and asexual mechanisms to ensure survival and propagation. In its sexual phase, the plant relies on a biotic pollination syndrome, where the transfer of pollen is mediated by living organisms rather than abiotic factors like wind or water. Specifically, the pollination process is driven by insects, which serve as the primary vectors for genetic exchange. This insect-mediated pollination can involve various specific agents, including bees, beetles, ants, butterflies, moths, and flies, facilitating the fertilization required for seed production. Complementing this sexual cycle, asexual reproduction is also present in the species, allowing the plant to propagate through vegetative means, typically via its specialized underground tubers.

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Reproduction asexual :

present

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Oxalis tuberosa has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Ash, CALCIUM, FAT, IRON, PHOSPHORUS.

Ash

1. Dr. Duke

CALCIUM

1. Dr. Duke

FAT

1. Dr. Duke

IRON

1. Dr. Duke

PHOSPHORUS

1. Dr. Duke

ascorbic acid

1. Dr. Duke

beta-carotene

1. Dr. Duke

niacin

1. Dr. Duke

riboflavin

1. Dr. Duke

thiamin

1. Dr. Duke

Activities

Oxalis tuberosa has 207 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Acidulant, Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor, Allergenic, Analgesic, Androgenic?.

Acidulant

1. Dr. Duke

Aldose-Reductase-Inhibitor

1. Dr. Duke

Allergenic

1. Dr. Duke

Analgesic

1. Dr. Duke

Androgenic?

1. Dr. Duke

Angiotensin-Receptor-Blocker

1. Dr. Duke

AntiAGE

1. Dr. Duke

AntiCFS

1. Dr. Duke

AntiCTS

1. Dr. Duke

AntiCrohn's

1. Dr. Duke