Species Oxalis zeyheri
Pictures from Observations
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From the Greek oxys = sharp, sour or acid and (h)als = salt. The plant is frequently consumed for its sour taste caused by the oxalic acid, particularly the flowering stalks of O. pes-caprae. In large quantities the oxalic acid inhibits digestion and in stock leads to the condition 'dikpens' or bloated belly.
Named in honour of the renowned plant collector Carl (Karl) Ludwig Philipp Zeyher (1799-1858). One of South Africa's foremost botanical collectors who is synonymous with his collecting partner Ecklon. He began collecting in the Cape in 1822, undertook a major expedition to Kaffraria (the Eastern Cape) 1831-1832 and to the Transvaal from 1840-1842.
Ecklon died in Cape Town from smallpox during the epidemic of 1858.