One Man's Weed Is Another Man's Lucky Shamrock.
Ask the Expert: What Is This?
I am an RE agent and a client left this plant behind when they moved. Each flower has 3 pedals which are a purplish color. The pedals close up at nite and open in the sunlight. They have long, thin stems. The client let it go and I am now trying to "bring it back". Would love to know what it is and how to care for it. Chris
Photos sent by Chris
April 21st, 2008 at 8:36 am
Chirs,
I think you have an Oxalis plant maybe even Oxalis regnellii 'Atropurpure'. Oxalis are also know as wood sorrel and a few are called shamrocks. For some this is a desirable plant for others it is a noxious weed. What you are calling flower petals are actually leaves and later it will get very small white blooms. Oxalis likes a shady condition that is moist but well drained.
If you have other pictures I would like to see them. Sometimes a singular picture angle can skew the identification.
April 26th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Thanks so much for your comments. I will take aditional photos and email them.
April 28th, 2008 at 7:40 am
I have taken a few additional photos and would love your thoughts on whether you still think it might be the Oxalis.
Thanks again for your help on this.
Chris
April 28th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Chris
It is definitely an Oxalis. It is either Oxalis regnellii or Oxalis triangularis (Love Plant)