Oxalis pes-caprae - Bermuda buttercup

Oxalis pes-caprae or Bermuda buttercup originates from southern Africa. It derives its name from the shape of the leaves which resemble a goat's hoof (or more simply they are heart-shaped!)
Introduced to the Mediterranean around 200 years ago it is an extremely invasive weed that is taking over large tracts of cultivated land. Its bulbs and many small bulbils spread when the soil is ploughed or tilled and it is resistant to herbicides. Oxalis pes-caprae is fast taking over and threatening native flowers. It is particularly common in olive and citrus groves and along road sides.

It flowers between January and May from sea level to around 600m.

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