Question
I was wondering if you could help me out,  a friend of mine has this very delicate purple leaf plant. There are three leaves like a clover,  each leaf is the size and shape of a butterfly . Also, the leaves close at nite.

Would you know what plant this is, and where to find it.
I love it and don't know the species.

thanks

Maria

Answer
Hi Maria
It sounds as if your friend has a "Shamrock Plant" aka "Good Luck Plant" or "Oxalis Deppei".  The Shamrock is actually a bulb and is mostly sold around St. Patricks Day.  They come in colors of green, red or purple foliage or "leaflets".  They do fold up at night.  
Being a bulb, they will begin to go dormant.  When this happens, don't toss it away-just place the plant in a cool dark area for about 4 weeks.  After this period, return the plant to its original location and begin watering again.
As to where to buy one; I have usually only seen them in stores, etc. around St. Patty's day.  I did find online a auction on ebay for bulbs:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3184&item=4319386069&rd=1

BTW: If you go to this link, you will also see a picture of one.

If you are not comfortable with ebay, you can try your local nursery to see if they carry the bulbs.

Good luck Maria!
Leslie