CULTURE OF THE GENUS OXALIS. 
The plants belonging to this genus are bulbous rooted, and of very easy culture ; 
they are chiefly natives of the Cape of Good Hope, and therefore require the shelter 
of a greenhouse, but a few belong to the tropics, and consequently require the stove ; 
and others are perfectly hardy. Many of them have been long inhabitants of our 
gardens, and are esteemed valuable plants. 
The uses to which they are put are not numerous, yet they are some of them 
important. They also possess a peculiar 
acidity, in some species very grateful. That 
of the 0. acetosella (figure) resembles the 
juice of lemons or the acid of tartar. The 
juice, when cleansed and evaporated, if set 
in a cold place crystallises. These crystal- 
line salts are sold under the name of 
Essential Salts of Lemons, and are used 
to take iron moulds and stains of ink, &c., 
out of linen. Oxalic acid is also naturally 
formed in Oxalis acetosella , from which 
it takes its name. 
O. crenata. The tubers of this species 
when cooked resemble potatoes in flavour, 
indeed they have been considered by some 
superior to that vegetable. When roasted 
they are stated to be very excellent ; also 
the stalks used for tarts, like rhubarb, are 
very superior, and we have heard of the 
leaves being used for salad. We are 
unable to speak from experience respecting either the roots or leaves, never yet 
having had an opportunity of trying them, but we have tasted some tarts made of 
the stalks, which were very delicious, far superior we think to rhubarb, probably 
coming nearest in flavour to very fine apples. The flowers also are fine and showy, 
of a bright orange colour, but they all fall off without producing seed. 
0. tetraphylla has also roots which are sometimes used as a substitute for potatoes. 
They are very easily cultivated, growing in almost any soil. 
The leaves of several species are used for the same purposes as sorrel. 
The culture of the different species may be stated as follows : — • 
1. Hardy species. These kinds require very little care. Plant the roots in a 
border somewhat shaded, and they will be sure to thrive and increase. 
