Oca
Oxalis tuberosa
Also called New Zealand yam, Uqa and Oca tubers
Garden plant · Herbs, veg & fruitPlant a tuber in May and dig the crop in DECEMBER — it only starts making tubers as the days shorten, so the frost kills the top and the roots keep working for three weeks after. Lemony, and eaten raw or roasted.
Care at a glance
- Ease
- Medium
- Water
- Every 3 daysWater the ground — water at the base, in the morning, not over the leaves.
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Feed
- Every 21 days
- Humidity
- Average
- Hardiness
- Tender — no frost at all RHS H2, to 1°C
- Size
- 0.4 m tall · 0.6 m across
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Origin
- The Andes
Is it safe for pets and people?
PetsToxic to pets
Affects dogs, cats, horses.
PeopleNot checked yet
Nobody has checked this one against a source for us yet, so treat it as unknown rather than safe.
Checked against ASPCA and RHS on 2026-09-21.
A guide, not veterinary or medical advice. If a pet or a person has eaten a plant and you are worried, call your vet or doctor now — don’t wait for signs to appear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.