What Is Oxalis Triangularis (Ox Plant) And What Are the Benefits of It?

Oxalis triangularis is also known as the ox plant or New Zealand sorrel. It is a fast-growing, tropical weed that’s commonly used in home gardens and commercial plantations (source). This plant has been naturalized across many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It has become a very popular indoor plant because of its triangle-shaped leaves and its ability to grow rapidly in almost any light conditions. Its small size, tidy appearance, and ease of care make it a great houseplant for just about anyone! The Oxalis Triangularis benefits include strengthening immunity, reducing stress and anxiety, reducing blood pressure, preventing headaches, improving digestion and skin health, accelerating fat metabolism and much more. Keep reading to find out more!

What is Oxalis Triangularis?

Oxalis Triangularis is a small tropical herb native to South America. It is part of the Oxalidaceae family, which also includes other ornamental plants with purple or yellow flowers including Oxalis Abelesii, Oxalis Coronaria, and Oxalis Regnellii. It’s also sometimes known as New Zealand sorrel, although it isn’t related to sorrel in the same family. Oxalis Triangularis is commonly used as an ornamental plant in home gardens and commercial plantations. This plant has been naturalized across many tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world. It has become a very popular indoor plant because of its triangle-shaped leaves and its ability to grow rapidly in almost any light conditions. Its small size, tidy appearance, and ease of care make it a great houseplant for just about anyone!

Why Grow the Ox Plant?

The roots and leaves of the oxalis triangularis are edible, and they’re often used as a spinach substitute in many South American and Caribbean dishes. The plant is also grown for its medicinal properties and as a source of dye. There are many health benefits to growing the ox plant, including strengthening immunity, reducing stress and anxiety, reducing blood pressure, preventing headaches, improving digestion and skin health, accelerating fat metabolism and much more. These benefits make the ox plant an ideal addition to almost any indoor space. You can even grow it in a small pot on a windowsill, so you can enjoy it no matter where you are.

How to Grow and Care for an Oxalis Triangularis?

Oxalis triangularis is a very easy plant to grow and care for. It thrives in moist, humid environments and prefers temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. This plant will die if exposed to frost, so it’s best to keep it indoors in pots. They can be placed just about anywhere, but they’re especially suited to bathrooms and kitchens. Oxalis triangularis requires very little attention and care, making it a great choice for beginners. Plant the seeds in soil that is moist but not soggy. You can water it just about any time, but it’s best to wait until the surface of the soil is dry before giving it another drink. You can also use a water saucer to keep this plant hydrated.

Vitamin B12 Benefits of the Oxalis Triangularis

The oxalis triangularis is a rich source of vitamin B12, which is essential for many functions in the body. This includes the production of new cells, the regulation of mood and neurological functions, and the healthy formation of blood cells. B12 is found in many foods like meat, seafood, eggs, dairy products, and soybeans. However, it’s often lacking in vegan diets and many people don’t get enough of it from their diet. Growing the ox plant is a great way to get more B12 into your diet!

Other Health Benefits of Growing the Ox Plant

- Reduces inflammation - The oxalis triangularis is a rich source of vitamin C, which is essential for many functions in the body. It plays a key role in reducing inflammation and supporting a healthy immune system. - Prevents cancer - Vitamin C also plays a role in preventing certain types of cancer. It has been shown to reduce the risk of lung, bladder, stomach, and colorectal cancer. - Helps maintain kidney health - The oxalis triangularis is also rich in potassium, which is essential for maintaining healthy kidney function. - Promotes eye health - Vitamin C also plays a role in eye health, as it helps reduce the risk of macular degeneration. It’s also essential for the formation of collagen, which helps prevent wrinkles and signs of aging.

Final Words

There is a wide variety of health benefits to growing the ox plant indoors. It is a fast-growing herb that is easy to care for and can be grown in almost any light conditions. This plant is a great source of vitamin B12, which is essential for many functions in the body. These include the production of new cells, the regulation of mood and neurological functions, and the healthy formation of blood cells. The oxalis triangularis is also rich in vitamin C, which plays a key role in reducing inflammation and supporting a healthy immune system. Growing the ox plant indoors is an easy way to get more vitamins into your diet!

References:

1-Anthocyanins from Oxalis triangularis as potential food colorants

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814601002011

2-Engineering healthy crops: molecular strategies for enhancing the plant immune system

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0958166921000665