Ten stamens - 5 short, 5 long in whorls. Santiago Oaks Regional Park, Orange, CA. 1-20-08. © Joan Avise |
Bermuda Buttercup Oxalis pes-caprae An introduced perennial herb (rare and endangered in its native South Africa) which forms low clumps in disturbed areas and spreads by production of bulb offsets and lateral runners. It often grows in dense colonies, forming a monoculture. It is an increasingly aggressive invader of native plant communities in coastal California including, for example, parts of Santiago Oaks Regional Park and Crystal Cove State Park. Species Focus Oxalis pes-caprae By Jake Sigg Oxalidaceae Back to Oxalidaceae of Orange County, California |
Five sepals and five petals. Crystal Cove State beach, Laguna beach, CA. 11-17-07. © Joan Avise |
Each stalk with 3-10 flowers, which bloom in sequence. Crystal Cove State Beach, Laguna Beach, CA, 3-21-09. © Joan Avise |
Three heart-shaped leaflets. Leaves and stems are edible, but the foliage is rich in oxalates, imparting a sour taste. Santiago Oaks Regional Park, Orange, CA. 1-20-08. © Joan Avise |