Rumex brownii explained

Rumex brownii, the hooked dock, Browne's dock or swamp dock, is a leafy perennial herb native to Australia, and is widespread and grows in disturbed sites. It is an introduced weed in the Pacific Islands, England,[1] Japan, and New Zealand.[2]

It is 50–80 cm high with variably shaped basal leaves, oblong or lanceolate, to 12 cm long, and to 4 cm wide with cordate to truncate base. The petiole is about half as long as the lamina. Flower whorls with 3–5 hooked teeth on each side and with a hooked tip.[3] The hooks aid seed dispersal via attaching to animal fur and hair, and also human clothing.[4]

Uses

Leaf used as a blanched leafy vegetable.

Notes and References

  1. Low, T "Bush Tucker Australias Wild Food Harvest" 1989
  2. http://www.hear.org/pier/species/rumex_brownii.htm Rumex brownii weed profile
  3. http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Rumex~brownii Rumex brownii, New South Wales Flora Online
  4. http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/PC_93086.html Docks (Rumex sp.)