Ruby dock, Bladder Dock
Rumex vesicarius

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A shrub like plant. It is an annual plant. The stems are hollow up to about 75 cm high. The stems only occasionally branch. The leaves are broad and thick. They are like blunt arrowheads. The leaf stalks are about as long as the leaves. There are papery stipules at the base of the leaf stalk. The seed capsules occur on tall spikes and are papery red. The seed capsules have dark veins. The capsules are 1.5-2.5 cm long.

There are about 200 Rumex species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical and Mediterranean plant. It grows in arid regions. It occurs in Central Australia. It is cultivated in Java. In West Africa it grows in the Sahara. It grows in the Sahel. It suits hardiness zones 6-10.

Countries/locations it is found in

Afghanistan, Africa, Algeria, Asia, Asia Minor, Australia, Bangladesh, East Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Europe, Greece, Himalayas, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Malaysia, Mali, Mauritania, Mediterranean, Middle East, Morocco, Myanmar, Nepal, North Africa, Northeastern India, Pakistan, Qatar, Sahara, Sahel, Saudi Arabia, SE Asia, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Tunisia, Turkey, Türkiye, United Arab Emirates, UAE, West Africa, Yemen

How it is used for food

The leaves are boiled and eaten. They are used in curries and chutneys. The sour young shoots are sometimes eaten raw. They can be used for curdling milk.

The leaves are sold in markets. It is a cultivated food plant. It is useful in dry areas when other vegetables are scarce.

Edible parts

Leaves, vegetable, fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Aambadchuka, Ambari, Ambongteh, Anbongteh, Bhote palunge, Chooka, Chuka, Chukani bhaji, Chukka kura, Hamaimesah, Hambad, Hammad, Hommidha, Hummed, Jussi soppu, Kala-chin-baung-gyi, Katta mitha, Katta palak, Khatti tan, Palak, Palang sag, Pink dock, Rosy dock, Saluni, Shakkan kirai, Suka kora, Suka sak, Sukha sak, Sukki soppu, Takpalang, Tarweekai, Turkey rhubarb, Tershoka, Wild hops

Synonyms

Acetosa vesicaria (L.) Love;