Oxalis pes-caprae and consumer

Geelsuring (yellow sorrel) in Afrikaans is an indigenous plant eaten by many. It is seasonal winter food as the plant dies back in mid-spring and returns with winter rain. As the leaves also contain toxic oxalates, one should take care not to ingest too much of it: use it as a condiment, not as a vegetable.

Dense stands of this plant can cause stock losses among grazers. The plant contains a sour sap in leaves and flower stems as do many other Oxalis species. The plant has been used in the treatment of people for intestinal worms.

A noteworthy among the Oxalis pes-caprae consumers was discovered in the act, as the photo bears evidence. While this plant is not threatened at all, South African tortoises are.

It is always a happy moment to encounter one in the countryside. But conservation is based on better foundations than sentiment and one can hope that more citizens will learn to protect them wherever possible (www.europe-aliens.org).