Kenyan Violet Oxalis melanosticta
ABOUT
Oxalis melanosticta, commonly known as Kenilworth ivy, is distinguished by its unique and attractive foliage. Its leaves are typically made up of three heart-shaped leaflets that are arranged in a clover-like pattern, a feature that often leads to the plant being mistaken for a type of clover. The leaflets are connected at a central point, creating a symmetrical appearance. The color of the leaves can vary, but they often display a rich green hue with darker, sometimes almost black, markings that create a striking contrast and contribute to its common name. Throughout the growing season, the Kenilworth ivy blooms with small, delicate flowers. The flowers are typically soft violet to purple in color with a subtle yellow or white center, creating a lovely splash of color against the backdrop of the plant's distinctive verdant foliage. The flowers are usually five-petaled and trumpet-shaped, which adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the plant. The overall structure of the Kenilworth ivy is soft and somewhat trailing, which allows it to spill gracefully over the edges of containers or to spread as ground cover if planted in a garden bed. The stems of the plant are thin and can be either green or tinged with red, and they hold the leaves and flowers aloft with a gentle, meandering growth habit. This plant has the ability to add a lush and fresh dimension to any setting it occupies, providing gardeners and plant enthusiasts with a picturesque and low-maintenance option for their green spaces.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Oxalidaceae.
Synonyms
Kenilworth Ivy, Black-Spotted Oxalis, Tropical Woodsorrel.
Common names
Oxalis melanosticta.
ToxicityTo humans
Oxalis melanosticta, commonly known as Kenilworth ivy or pennywort, is not known to be highly toxic to humans. However, like many plants in the Oxalis genus, it may contain oxalic acid, which can be harmful in large quantities. Ingesting parts of the plant in significant amounts could potentially lead to symptoms such as gastrointestinal upset, with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. In rare cases and with substantial ingestion, more serious symptoms could occur due to oxalic acid's ability to bind with calcium and form crystals, potentially leading to kidney stones or other issues related to calcium absorption within the body.
To pets
Kenilworth ivy or pennywort is a plant that could be harmful to pets if ingested, as it may contain oxalic acid. When pets, such as dogs or cats, consume parts of the plant in large quantities, they may experience symptoms of oxalate poisoning which include drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and a decrease in appetite. In severe cases, ingestion of oxalic acid can lead to more serious conditions such as kidney stones or renal damage due to the formation of calcium oxalate crystals. If a pet is suspected of ingesting a significant amount of this plant, it is important to consult a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Evergreen
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Yellow
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
10
Native area
Brazil
Benefits
General Benefits- Attractive Foliage: Oxalis melanosticta, commonly known as "Kenilworth Ivy," has unique and visually appealing leaves that can add a touch of beauty to gardens and indoor spaces.
- Low Maintenance: Kenilworth Ivy is known for being easy to care for, requiring minimal attention to thrive once established.
- Shade Tolerant: It can grow well in shaded areas where other plants might not flourish, making it ideal for spots with limited sunlight.
- Ground Cover: Its ability to spread and cover the ground can help prevent soil erosion and suppress weed growth.
- Edible Leaves: The leaves of Kenilworth Ivy are edible, adding a tangy flavor to salads and other dishes.
- Pollinator Friendly: The plant can attract pollinators such as bees and butterflies, supporting local ecosystems.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Oxalis melanosticta, also known as Kenilworth ivy, can be used in fairy gardens due to its small size and delicate appearance, adding a whimsical touch to miniature landscapes.
- The leaves of the Kenilworth ivy can be a colorful garnish for salads and desserts, with their unique heart-shaped leaves adding an aesthetic appeal to dishes.
- Kenilworth ivy can be used for educational purposes, such as teaching children about plant growth and botany, due to its ease of care and rapid growth habit.
- Plant enthusiasts may use Kenilworth ivy in terrariums to create a lush, forest-like setting, as the plant thrives in the humid and enclosed environment.
- Kenilworth ivy may be used in artistic endeavors, such as living plant sculptures or topiaries, because it can be shaped and is visually pleasing.
- Dye extracted from Kenilworth ivy can be used in fabric dyeing or as a natural alternative to food coloring because of the plant's pigments.
- When dried, the leaves and stems of Kenilworth ivy can serve as filling for herbal pillows, providing a subtle fragrance and potentially aiding in relaxation.
- Kids’ crafts can incorporate Kenilworth ivy leaves due to their interesting shape and texture, making them a useful material for projects like leaf rubbings or nature collages.
- Kenilworth ivy can be planted as living mulch in garden beds to help retain soil moisture and suppress weeds due to its dense growth.
- The plant is sometimes used in photography, particularly macro photography, as a subject because of its intricate leaves and the way it captures light and dewdrops.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Oxalis, commonly known as wood sorrel, is not specifically used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Oxalis, commonly known as wood sorrel, is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Luck: Often associated with its clover-like leaves, Oxalis melanosticta, commonly referred to as the Lucky Clover plant, is believed to bring good luck, echoing the lore surrounding four-leaf clovers.
- Adaptability: Able to thrive in various light conditions, the Lucky Clover symbolizes adaptability and resilience in different environments and situations.
- Balance: Since the Lucky Clover can regulate its leaves by opening and closing in response to light, it is seen as a symbol of balance and harmony with nature.
- Prosperity: In many cultures, clover plants are considered to be a sign of prosperity and wealth, a belief that extends to the Lucky Clover as well.
- Perseverance: Capable of regrowing from small pieces of root or stem, the Lucky Clover represents perseverance and the ability to overcome challenges.
WaterKenyan purple clover (Oxalis melanosticta) should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, which typically amounts to about once a week. Depending on environmental conditions, this could vary so it's essential to check the soil moisture level before watering. Provide water until it begins to drain from the bottom of the pot, ensuring that the plant is thoroughly hydrated without becoming waterlogged. On average, this could equate to about 16 to 32 ounces of water, adjusting for the size of the container and the humidity of your environment. During its dormant period, usually in summer, reduce watering frequency as the plant requires less moisture.
LightKenyan purple clover prefers bright, indirect light, so it should be placed near a window that receives ample light but is shielded from the direct rays of the sun. A good location could be behind a sheer curtain or in an east-facing room where it gets gentle morning sunlight and shade in the afternoon. Avoid the intense direct sun of midday, which could scorch the leaves and stale its growth.
TemperatureKenyan purple clover thrives in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but can survive in temperatures as low as 50 and as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit. To encourage robust growth, maintain the room temperature within its ideal range, avoiding sudden temperature changes and drafts which can stress the plant.
PruningKenyan purple clover can be pruned to remove any dead or yellowing leaves, which encourages healthy growth and maintains an attractive appearance. Pruning is also beneficial for controlling its spread. The best time to prune is in late winter or early spring before new growth starts. Aim to prune sparingly and not more than once or twice a year to avoid stress on the plant.
CleaningAs needed
SoilKenyan Violet thrives best in a well-draining soil mix with a slightly acidic to neutral pH of around 6 to 7. A mix combining peat, perlite, and potting soil is ideal to maintain the right moisture balance and aeration.
RepottingKenyan Violet should be repotted every 1-2 years to provide fresh soil and to accommodate root growth. The best time to repot is in the spring.
Humidity & MistingKenyan Violet prefers moderate to high humidity levels, ideally between 50% to 70% for optimal growth.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Place Kenyan Violet in bright, indirect light and water moderately.
Outdoor
Keep Kenyan Violet in partial shade and protect from harsh elements.
Hardiness zone
9-11 USDA
Life cycleThe Kenilworth ivy (Oxalis melanosticta) starts its life cycle as a seed, typically germinating in moist, well-drained soil in a shaded environment. Upon germination, seedlings develop into juvenile plants, producing the characteristic trifoliate, or three-parted, leaves and beginning to form a small bulb-like structure underground. As the plant matures, it develops a more established root system and the leaves grow in size, while the plant may also produce small, trumpet-shaped white flowers that are often tinged with pink or purple. Following pollination, these flowers can produce small capsules containing seeds that, when mature, are dispersed to initiate new growth elsewhere. In suitable climates, the Kenilworth ivy can exhibit perennial growth, entering a period of dormancy during unfavorable conditions only to regrow from its bulb-like structure in the next suitable growing season. This cycle of growth, flowering, seed production, and dormancy continues annually, with the plant spreading primarily through bulbils and seeds.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-Early Summer
Propogation: Oxalis triangularis, often referred to as purple shamrock or false shamrock, can be easily propagated through division, which is the most popular method for this particular plant. This process is ideally done in the spring, when the plant is emerging from its dormant period and beginning a new cycle of growth. To propagate by division, gently remove the plant from its pot and separate the rhizomes, which are the thickened root structures, ensuring that each division has at least one growth point or shoot. These separated rhizomes can then be potted individually in a well-draining potting mix. Water the new plants moderately to establish them without over-saturating the soil, as this can lead to rot. Within a few weeks, the divided rhizomes should begin to produce new growth, provided they are kept in indirect sunlight and a warm environment.
