Oxalidaceae
Genera : 7-8
Species: 900
Links to Genus Directory of Images:
Oxalidaceae |
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Genera : 7-8Species: 900
Links to Genus Directory of Images: |
Distribution: Widespread
in the tropics and subtropics, with some species in temperate
regions.
Economic Uses: The leaves
of some species and the tubers of others are eaten, while the
fruit of one species is produced ecomonically as the 'star fruit'.
The distinctive tripartate leaves are the source of the Irish
'shamrock'.
Defining
Features of Interest: The leaves of
many species droop or fold in the evening or in cool weather and
reopen in the morning.
Fossil Evidence: No known
fossil record.
