Rambling Dock, Climbing dock, Scrambling dock
Rumex sagittatus

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A creeper. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 2 m high. The leaves are smooth and arrow-shaped. They are 3-7 cm long. They are pale green and soft. The flowers develop clusters of papery capsules. These are about 1 cm wide. They change from pale green to reddish-brown.

There are about 200 Rumex species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows in coastal districts. It will grow in most soils and positions. It is resistant to drought but sensitive to frost. In Zimbabwe it grows between 1,160-1,900 m above sea level.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia, Botswana, East Africa, Eswatini, Indonesia, Lesotho, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, New Zealand, SE Asia, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, Swaziland, Tasmania, Zambia, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The cooked leaves have a sweet-sour flavour. They are used in place of tamarind in stews.

Edible parts

Leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed.

Its other names

Local names

Potato vine, Simunyane, Soorengan, Surengan, Turkey Rhubarb

Synonyms

Acetosa sagittata (Thunb.) L. A. S. Johnson & B. G. Briggs; Rumex scandens Burch.;