Oxalis family
Description
A family of annual and biennual herbs, rarely shrubs or trees (Oxalidaceae 1), occurring mainly in the tropics and subtropics.
The alternate leaves are pinnate, palmate or trifoliate with entire leaflets. The flowers are regular, solitary or borne in inflorescences, with 5 petals and 5 sepals, 10 stamens and a superior ovary. The fruit is a capsule or a berry.
There are about 8 genera.
Use
The family produces edible fruits and tubers, which are important in the South American Andes.
Described species
Averrhoa carambola, carambola or starfruit
Averrhoa bilimbi, bilimbi, see Averrhoa carambola
Oxalis tuberosa, oca