OXALIS, WOODSORREL: A genus of the pentagynia order, belonging to the decandria class of plants; and in the natural method ranking under the 14th order, Grumiales. The calyx is pentaphyllous; the petals connected at the heels; the capsule pentagonal, and opening at the angles. There are seven species; of which the only remarkable is the acetosella, or common woodsorrel. This grows naturally in moist shady woods, and at the sides of hedges in many parts of Britain, and is but seldom admitted into gardens. The roots are composed of many scaly joints, which propagate in great plenty. The leaves arise immediately from the roots upon single long foot-stalks, and are composed of three heart-shaped lobes. They are gratefully acid, and of use in the scurvy and other putrid disorders.