Oxalis triangularis subsp. papilionacea Atropurpurea

This is a little-used perennial plant with a bulbous or rhizomatous crown. It blooms abundantly and has a wide range of uses. In short, it is a plant for gardeners who want something a bit different.

This perennial plant forms small tuberous rootstocks, from which very curious leaves emerge, divided into 3 leaflets like clover, but much larger, each shaped like a butterfly. They are a dark chocolate colour with a dark purple mark in the middle of each leaflet. The small pale pink flowers that follow until frost form a beautiful contrast with the foliage.