Mary Sue and Arnold
Oxalis perdicaria in the earlier name for O. lobata. The former was
first described in 1782 as Sassia perdicaria by Molina whereas the latter was
described by Sims in 1823. Even though perdicaria was described in a different
genus it still has priority over lobata.
In the Encyclopedia of Alpines vol. 2 published by the Alpine Garden
Society of GB under O. perdicaria there is a discussion of another paler yellow
plant that grows with O.perdicaria that may be possibly an undescribed species.
I'd love to get one!
O.perdicaria is hardy most years in zone 8 but in a really cold winter it
may be wiped out. I grow it in a pot in a frame. It is wonderful to bring
indoors in November/December to enjoy its great fragrance.
By the bye the rather unusual adjective perdicaria pertains to the
Greek/Latin word perdix meaning partridge. I don't know if partridges are native
to S Am or introduced but I would imagine that they would be easily scratched
out of the ground for a snack.
Jerry John Flintoff
Vashon Island,Washington,USA
Zone 8