Rumex tingitanus

Polygonaceae Edible: Leaves, Stem Potential hazards — see below 10 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

A perennial dock tolerating light sandy, medium loamy, and heavy clay soils across mildly acid to basic pH ranges. Grows in semi-shade to full sun and prefers moist soil. Notably tolerates maritime exposure. Wind-pollinated hermaphrodite.

Description

A low slender herb. It has a creeping rhizome. It keeps growing from year to year. The leaves are oval or sword shaped and can have lobes. The fruit valves are several times larger than the nut.

Edible Uses

The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked.

Traditional Uses

The stem is eaten raw. The leaves are eaten raw in salads or cooked in meals.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

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.

Distribution

It grows in sands near the sea. It is a mediterranean plant.

Where It Grows

Africa, Europe, Italy, Libya, Mediterranean, North Africa, Portugal, Spain, Tunisia,

Cultivation

We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though judging by its native range it should succeed outdoors in many parts of this country. It is likely to tolerate maritime exposure. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus. Succeeds in most soils but prefers a deep fertile moderately heavy soil that is humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained and a position in full-sun or part shade.

Propagation

Sow seed in spring in a cold frame. Prick seedlings out into individual pots once large enough to handle, and plant out during summer. Plants can also be propagated by division in spring.

Other Uses

No specific dye data has been recorded for this species, but roots of many plants in this genus yield dark green to brown and dark grey dyes without requiring a mordant.

Notes

There are about 200 Rumex species.

Also Known As

Korrisa

References (7)

Ben Ismail, H., 2013, Edible Wild Vegetables Used in North West of Tunisia. PARIPEX - Indian Journal of Reearch 2(9) :219-221
Blamey, M and Grey-Wilson, C., 2005, Wild flowers of the Mediterranean. A & C Black London. p 38
Jardin, C., 1970, List of Foods Used In Africa, FAO Nutrition Information Document Series No 2.p 98
Mahklouf, M. H., 2019, Ethnobotanical Study of Edible Wild Plants in Libya. European Journal of Ecology. 5(2): 30-40
Plants for a Future database, The Field, Penpol, Lostwithiel, Cornwall, PL22 0NG, UK. http://www.scs.leeds.ac.uk/pfaf/

Show all 7 references

Rivera, D. et al, 2006, Gathered Mediterranean Food Plants - Ethnobotanical Investigations and Historical Development, in Heinrich M, Müller WE, Galli C (eds): Local Mediterranean Food Plants and Nutraceuticals. Forum Nutr. Basel, Karger, 2006, vol 59, pp 18–74
Syst. nat. ed. 10, 2:991. 1759