sour dock

Rumex daiwoo

Physical Characteristics

Rumex daiwoo is a PERENNIAL growing to 1 m (3ft 3in). 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. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

E. Asia - Japan.

Habitats

Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked[105, 177]. Seed - cooked. Used to make a gruel[105, 177].

Medicinal Uses

Anticoagulant Antipruritic Antipyretic Diuretic Laxative The root is anticoagulant, antipruritic, antipyretic, diuretic, laxative[147, 218].

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].