Broad-leaf dock, Round-leaf Dock
Rumex obtusifolius

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A plant that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1 m high and spreads 1 m wide. It has a long taproot. The stem is erect with spreading branches. The leaves are broad and blunt. The leaves are wavy. The flower spikes are crowded. The flowers are small and green. The seed valves have 1-4 teeth on each side.

There are about 200 Rumex species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It will grow in most soils and positions. It is resistant to frost but sensitive to drought. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 2,000 m above sea level. Tasmania Herbarium. In Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Argentina, Armenia, Asia, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Britain (country/location of origin), Caucasus, Chile, China, Colombia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Europe (country/location of origin), Falklands, France, Greece, Haiti, Indochina, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Korea, Mediterranean, Mexico, Myanmar, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Portugal, Romania, Russia, SE Asia, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tasmania, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, Venezuela, West Indies

How it is used for food

The young leaves are boiled and used in soups and as a potherb. The water is changed once or twice during cooking. The starch of the root is used as a famine food for extending bread flour, after removal of toxic elements. The seeds can be eaten raw or cooked. They can be ground into a powder.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable, seeds

How it is grown

Plants are grown by seed.

Its other names

Local names

Alabardak, Bijuaca, Bitter rock, Kokukizil, Labaca, Lengua de vaca, Pakta, Ramaza, Romaza, Sacha wulak Stevie, Tursho, Yabani labada, Yurak

Synonyms

Acetosa obtusifolia (L.) M.Gómez; Lapathum obtusifolium (L.) Moench; Lapathum sylvestre Lam.; Rumex agrestis (Fr.) Schur [Illegitimate]; Rumex crispatulus Michx.; Rumex laevigatus Willd. ex Spreng.; Rumex obtusifolius var. agrestis Fr.; Rumex obtusifolius subsp. agrestis (Fr.) Danser; Rumex obtusifolius subsp. obtusifolius;