Oxalis triangularis subsp.papilionacea 'Marmer'

Oxalis triangularis 'Marmer' is a lovely variety with green leaves marbled with white-silver, derived from the Purple False Shamrock, a small frost-tender bulbous plant often used for indoor decoration. Its giant clover-like foliage, as decorative as it is amusing, moves with the light and folds up in a fun way in the evening. Its small white flowers bloom during a long spring to summer period. A beautiful, graphic, and original indoor plant, this Oxalis can also be placed outdoors during the warmer season, in a partially shaded (morning sun only) and cool spot. Indoors, place it in bright light, but without direct sunlight.

Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionaceae 'Marmer' belongs to the Oxalidaceae family. Its wild ancestor is widespread in several countries in South America such as Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay. 'Marmer' distinguishes itself with the beautiful V-shaped pattern in white-silver colour that adorns the centre of its green leaves. It is an herbaceous plant that grows from a tuberous rhizome. The vegetation emerges from the ground in spring and disappears in winter, which is its dormant period. In winter, the plant should not be watered. The plant measures approximately 15cm (6in) in height. Lacking stems, it develops leaves borne by a long petiole emerging directly from the rhizome. The leaf is divided into 3 generally triangular leaflets, slightly lobed, arranged in the same plane perpendicular to the petiole. The leaves orient themselves by following the light: they close on the petiole in the evening and spread out at sunrise. The flowering is long, from May-June to July-August, or even until September. It takes the form of umbels borne by a long petiole. Each umbel carries 2 to 9 small funnel-shaped flowers spreading into 5 rounded lobes.

Mostly perennial plants with bulbous or rhizomatous roots, rarely used, Oxalis plants nevertheless flower abundantly and can have a wide range of uses. Not all of them are invasive, quite the opposite. In short, they are plants for gardeners who want to venture off the beaten path. Oxalis triangularis 'Marmer' will make a great impression in a hanging basket or a flower pot, always away from direct sunlight. This trendy little plant fits perfectly into a contemporary interior.