Swamp Dock

Rumex brownii

Physical Characteristics

Rumex brownii is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.6 m (2ft). It is in flower from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria. Casual in Britain[17].

Habitats

Lawn; Bog Garden; Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Edible Uses: Coffee Leaves - cooked[144]. The leaves can be up to 30cm long and, cooked with their midrib removed, they make a fine substitute for leaf beet[193]. The roasted root is a coffee substitute[193]

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

Plants can contain quite high levels of oxalic acid, which is what gives the leaves of many members of this genus an acid-lemon flavour. Perfectly alright in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since the oxalic acid can lock-up other nutrients in the food, especially calcium, thus causing mineral deficiencies. The oxalic acid content will be reduced if the plant is cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[238].