Catalyzes the condensation of glyoxylate and glycine into (2R,3S)-beta-hydroxyaspartate ((3S)-3-hydroxy-D-aspartate). Functions in glyoxylate assimilation via the beta-hydroxyaspartate cycle (BHAC) (By similarity). In vitro catalyzes the cleavage of both D-erythro- and D-threo-3-hydroxyaspartate to glycine and glyoxylate. Also acts on D-threonine, D-3-phenylserine and D-3-3,4-methylenedioxyphenylserine (PubMed:12835921). (3S)-3-hydroxy-D-aspartate = glycine + glyoxylate (3R)-3-hydroxy-D-aspartate = glycine + glyoxylate Divalent metal cation. Can use Mn(2+), Mg(2+) or Co(2+). Optimum pH is 9.0. Optimum temperature is 35 degrees Celsius. Homodimer. Strictly D-specific as to the alpha-position, but does not distinguish between threo and erythro forms at the beta-position. Belongs to the DSD1 family.