Indian Sorrel, Toothed Dock
Rumex dentatus

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

An erect annual herb. It grows to about 70 cm high. The lower leaves are stalked. They are 3-20 cm long by 0.6-5 cm wide. They are oblong and rounded or heart shaped at the base. The upper leaves are smaller. The flowers are greenish yellow. The occur in distinct leafy rings in the axils of leaves. The fruit is a nut. It is 3 sided.

There are about 200 Rumex species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. In Nepal it grows between 1200-1400 m altitude. It grows in moist, neglected ground.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Asia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Britain, Central Asia, China, Egypt, Europe, Himalayas, India, Indochina, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Korea, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Middle East, Nepal, North Africa, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Russia, SE Asia, Tajikistan

How it is used for food

The tender leaves are cooked as a vegetable. They are often boiled then fried.

The young leaves are especially eaten by children. It is sold in local markets.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed or thickened roots.

Its other names

Local names

Ambavah, Amrule, Babal, Ban palungo, Bon palong, Holo, Hububal, Hullah, Hulow, Jangli palak, Jungli palak, Khatkal, Kukur jibwa, Lal bibi, Milu, Ola, Palki mausi, Sarkari palak, Shalkhay, Shulkhay, Tandalak, Tissa palak, Ubobal, Zamda

Synonyms

Rumex dentatus subsp. klotzschianus (Meisn.) Rech.f.; Rumex klotschianus Meisn.; Rumex limosus Thuill.: Rumex nipponicus Franch. & Sav.;