Pale Pink-sorrel

I had three-quarters of an hour to spare while waiting for Ben, so had a walk round the charming Rutland village of Ryhall, just five minutes drive away from the college. In the centre of the village there is a house that has naturalised Pale Pink-sorrel all along its frontage. This South African species is not yet frequent locally, but does seem to be appearing in more locations. It's very attractive, and, like our native Wood-sorrel, the leaves can be used in cooking. The oxalic acid that they contain imparts a pleasant lemony tang, but in large amounts is toxic, so moderation is required!