Oxalis Movements

By Austin Summerlin and April Kinsey

Oxalis plants are known for their responses to light and touch. Most species of Oxalis contain three leaflets per leaf. During normal daylight, these leaflets expand out to maximize the amount of energy they can gain for photosynthesis. When there is little or no light however, these leaflets relax back down and in on themselves. Through the transition between darkness and light, the plant gradually opens back up its leaves to start the process anew. When physical stress is applied to the top or joint of the leaflets, they react defensively by folding back down into their “relaxed” state. This video was made to show the effects of both of these processes as well as to see if blue light wavelengths have the same effect as white light.