The Flower Language, Symbolism and Legendary Stories of Oxalis
I. Introduction to the Flower Language
Oxalis has three flower meanings. The first is patriotism: it is the national flower of Ireland, offered to the guardian saint St. Patrick, and represents the struggle for independence. The second is a brilliant heart, which is mainly related to its leaves, as each leaf is heart-shaped. The third is spiciness, since it has a pungent taste and can be used to make sauces and the like.
II. Legendary Stories
Oxalis usually has only three leaves, so it is also called three-leaf clover, but there are also four-leaf ones. This plant is the legendary lucky clover, and each leaf represents a different meaning. The first leaf represents true love, the second represents health, the third represents fame, and the fourth represents wealth; these are all things people dream of in life.
III. Plant Introduction
1. Morphological characteristics: Oxalis is a perennial herbaceous plant of the genus Oxalis in the family Oxalidaceae. The whole plant has relatively sparse soft hairs, and the stems are rather slender and weak with many branches, some upright and some creeping. The leaves grow from the base and are obcordate, with soft hairs on both sides. The flowers are solitary, occasionally several gathered into an umbel. There are 5 petals, and the color is yellow.
2. Growth habits: Oxalis likes a warm and humid climate and grows well in places with sufficient light. It also has strong drought resistance, but it is relatively afraid of cold, so in the north it needs to be placed in a greenhouse in winter, while in the south it can overwinter outdoors. It has strong adaptability to soil, but grows better in sandy loam rich in humus, and it also goes dormant in summer.
3. Care methods: Before planting Oxalis, the soil needs to be prepared first, and organic fertilizer should be applied to provide nutrients for its growth. It should not be watered too much; sprinkler irrigation is better and more conducive to its growth. Usually, attention should also be paid to lowering the temperature and humidity, and spraying triadimefon and the like to prevent powdery mildew. If there are weeds, they should also be removed in time so as not to affect its growth.