Golden Dock

Rumex maritimus

Physical Characteristics

Rumex maritimus is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in). It is in flower from June to September. 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. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to Spain and the Caucasus.

Habitats

Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Seed Edible Uses: Leaves - cooked[177]. Seed - cooked[257]. It can be ground into a powder then mixed with water and cooked like porridge[257].

Medicinal Uses

Aphrodisiac Astringent Carminative The leaves are applied externally to burns[240]. The seeds are aphrodisiac[240]. They contain about 5% tannin[240]. The plant is cooling[240]. an infusion is used to treat bloat[257].

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].