oxalis

/'ɔksəlis/

Thân thiện

A small oxalis plant grows in a sunny windowsill.

Definition

Noun: 1. A plant of the genus Oxalis: Any of numerous plants, often with clover-like leaves and small, typically five-petaled flowers, belonging to the genus Oxalis. 2. A common name for wood sorrel: Often used to refer specifically to species with leaves that have a sour taste due to oxalic acid.

Examples

• The oxalis in the garden has delicate pink flowers that close at night.
• Some species of oxalis are considered weeds in lawns because they spread quickly.
• The leaves of the common oxalis have a tangy, lemony flavor.

Advanced Usage

• As a collective noun: The term can be used to refer to these plants as a group.
  • The forest floor was carpeted with a variety of oxalis.

Variants and Related Words

• Wood sorrel: A common name for many species, especially those found in woodland areas.
• Shamrock: Some species, particularly (common wood sorrel) and , are popularly sold as "shamrock" plants.
• False shamrock: A term sometimes used for plants to distinguish them from true clovers (), which are the traditional Irish shamrock.

Synonyms

• Wood sorrel
• (For some species) Shamrock plant

Notes on Meaning

• The primary meaning is botanical, referring to a specific genus of plants.
• The characteristic sour taste of the leaves is a key identifying feature for many common species.
• While some species are cultivated as ornamental houseplants or garden plants, others are invasive weeds.

Học thuật

Noun

1. any plant or flower of the genus Oxalis

Từ đồng nghĩa

• sorrel
• wood sorrel