native sorrel with small clover-like leaves on coastal ground

Size
Height: 5–10 cm
Lifespan
3–5 years
Diet
Not applicable (herb). Photosynthetic.
Habitat
Damp forest margins, stream banks, grasslands and open areas. Prefers moist, well-drained soils with partial shade. Often forms small colonies in open, damp sites.
Range
Throughout New Zealand from Northland to Stewart Island. Most common in damp, open areas and forest margins. Also found in South America and the subantarctic islands.
Endemism
Native
Main Threats
Habitat loss from land clearance is the primary threat. Competition from introduced weeds. Climate change affecting wetland habitats.
Population
Populations are considered stable and widespread. The species is common in damp areas throughout New Zealand. It is threatened by competition from introduced weeds. Protection of forest margins is important.
Conservation Status
Not Threatened
A small, creeping herb with clover-like leaves. A plant that tastes like lemon. The leaves have a sharp, sour, lemon-like flavour due to oxalic acid. They can be used sparingly in salads, sauces and as a garnish. The small, white flowers appear in summer. The plant grows in damp, open areas throughout New Zealand. It is a native relative of the introduced oxalis weeds. A plant that is sour on purpose. The leaves are divided into three heart-shaped leaflets, similar to clover. They are bright green and sometimes have purple markings. The sour flavour comes from oxalic acid, which is also found in spinach and rhubarb. The leaves should be eaten in moderation, as large amounts of oxalic acid can interfere with calcium absorption. The flowers are white with yellow centres, about 1 centimetre across. They appear in summer and are followed by small, capsule-like fruits that contain the seeds. The seeds are dispersed by ants, which are attracted to a fatty structure on the seed coat. Native sorrel is a native relative of the introduced oxalis weeds that are common in gardens and lawns. Unlike its introduced relatives, native sorrel is not aggressive and does not form large colonies. It is a subtle presence in the forest margin, a small patch of sour leaves among the grasses. To find native sorrel is to look among the grasses at the forest edge. The forest edge is grassy. The sorrel creeps, clover-like leaves bright green, small white flowers with yellow centres. A leaf is picked and tasted. The sour tang fills the mouth. The plant does not know it is sour. It does not know it is a native. It just wants to be eaten by ants.