Great water dock, Wild rhubarb
Rumex hydrolapathum

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A robust plant which keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1.2-2 m high. In shallow water it produces aerating roots. The leaves are narrow and dark green. They are spear shaped and 1 m long. The flowers are in a brownish-pink spike. They are on stalks 2 m long.

There are about 200 Rumex species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in wet places. It can grow in shallow water.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Britain, China, Europe, France, Slovenia, Turkey, Türkiye

How it is used for food

The starch of the root is used as a famine food for extending bread flour, after removal of toxic elements. The leaves are roasted and used in pies.

Edible parts

Leaves, root

How it is grown

Plants self seed easily.

Its other names

Local names

Eksi ot, Konjska kislica

Synonyms

Lapathum aquaticum Garsault [Invalid]; Lapathum giganteum Opiz; Lapathum hydrolapathum Scop.; Lapathum maximum Montandon; Lapathum rivale P.Renault;