Rumex aquaticus
L.
Red dock, Tu ta huang, Parelle
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Summary
Source: WikipediaRumex aquaticus is a flowering plant in the knotweed family, Polygonaceae. It is native to temperate Eurasia. It is commonly known as the western dock found in aquatic environments.
Description
A tall perennial dock reaching 1.8 m (6 ft), with hermaphroditic flowers appearing July to August. Wind-pollinated and adapted to light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across a range of pH levels from mildly acidic to mildly alkaline. Tolerates semi-shade conditions and thrives in wet soil or shallow water environments.
Edible Uses
The leaves are edible cooked.
Traditional Uses
The leaves are eaten raw in salads.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
The root is alterative, astringent, cholagogue, deobstruent, depurative, detergent, laxative, and mildly tonic. Depending on the dose, harvest time, and the relative concentrations of tannins and anthraquinones present, it can either cause or relieve diarrhoea. It is used internally for piles, bleeding of the lungs, various blood complaints, and chronic skin diseases. Externally, it is applied to skin diseases, ulcers, and similar complaints. The root has also been used with positive effect to slow the progression of cancer, employed as an alterative and tonic. The root is harvested in early spring and dried for later use. Excess doses can cause gastric disturbance, nausea, and dermatitis, so some caution is advised.
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.
Distribution
It is a temperate plant. It grows in damp or wet places. It often grows near the water's edge. In central China it grows between 200-3,600 m above sea level.
Where It Grows
Asia, Central Asia, China, Czech Republic, Europe, Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, North America, Russia,
Cultivation
A plant of shallow water.
Propagation
Sow seed in spring or autumn directly in situ. Can also be propagated by division in spring.
Other Uses
Dark green to brown and dark grey dyes can be obtained from the roots of many species in this genus without the need for a mordant. The dried and powdered root has a cleansing and detergent effect on the teeth.
References (4)
- Flora of China @ efloras.org Volume 5
- Romanowski, N., 2007, Edible Water Gardens. Hyland House. p 113
- Simkova, K. et al, 2014, Ethnobotanical review of wild edible plants used in the Czech Republic. Journal of Applied Botany and Food Quality 88, 49-67
- Sp. pl. 1:336. 1753
