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{{short description|Species of flowering plant in the family Polygonaceae}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2021}}
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|species = obtusifolius
|species = obtusifolius
|authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]
|authority = [[Carl Linnaeus|L.]]
|synonyms = ''Rumex sylvestris'' (Lam.) Campd.<ref name="eea.europa.eu">{{cite web |title=Rumex sylvestris – Wallr. |url=https://eunis.eea.europa.eu/species/177547 |website=eunis.eea.europa.eu |access-date=14 February 2021}}</ref>
}}
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'''''Rumex obtusifolius''''', commonly known as '''Western Dock''',<ref>{{PLANTS|id=RUOB|taxon=Rumex obtusifolius|accessdate=26 October 2015}}</ref> '''broad-leaved dock''', '''bluntleaf dock''', '''dock leaf''' or '''butter dock''', is a [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[weed]] in the family [[Polygonaceae]]. It is native to [[Europe]] but can now be found in the [[United States]] and many other countries around the world such as [[Australia]]<ref name="australiadockobtusifolius">{{cite web | url=http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/03030800-0b07-490a-8d04-0605030c0f01/media/Html/Rumex_obtusifolius_subsp._obtusifolius.htm | title=Broad-leaved dock | publisher=Queensland Government | accessdate=17 March 2016}}</ref> and [[New Zealand]].<ref name="nzobtusifolius">{{cite web | url=http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning/colleges/college-of-sciences/clinics-and-services/weeds-database/broad-leaved-dock.cfm | title=Broad-leaved dock | publisher=Massey University (New Zealand) | accessdate=17 March 2016}}</ref>
'''''Rumex obtusifolius''''', commonly known as '''bitter dock''',<ref name="cabi">{{Cite web|title=''Rumex obtusifolius'' (broad-leaved dock)|url=https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/48064|date=22 November 2019|publisher=CABI|access-date=30 April 2020}}</ref><ref>{{PLANTS|id=RUOB|taxon=Rumex obtusifolius|access-date=26 October 2015}}</ref> '''broad-leaved dock''', '''bluntleaf dock''', '''dock leaf''', '''dockens''' or '''butter dock''', is a [[perennial plant]] in the family [[Polygonaceae]]. It is native to Europe, but is found on all [[temperate climate|temperate]] continents.<ref name=cabi/><ref name="australiadockobtusifolius">{{cite web | url=http://keyserver.lucidcentral.org/weeds/data/03030800-0b07-490a-8d04-0605030c0f01/media/Html/Rumex_obtusifolius_subsp._obtusifolius.htm | title=Broad-leaved dock | publisher=Queensland Government | access-date=17 March 2016}}</ref><ref name="nzobtusifolius">{{cite web | url=http://www.massey.ac.nz/massey/learning/colleges/college-of-sciences/clinics-and-services/weeds-database/broad-leaved-dock.cfm | title=Broad-leaved dock | publisher=Massey University (New Zealand) | access-date=17 March 2016}}</ref> It is a highly [[invasive species]] in some zones, resulting from its abundant [[seed dispersal]], adaptability to reproduce, aggressive [[root]]s, ability to tolerate extreme climates, and [[Hardiness (plants)|hardiness]].<ref name=cabi/>


==Etymology==
==Etymology==
''Rumex'' is [[Pliny the Elder|Pliny]]'s name for [[sorrel]].<ref name="gledhill">Gledhill, David (2008). "The Names of Plants". Cambridge University Press. {{ISBN|9780521866453}} (hardback), {{ISBN|9780521685535}} (paperback). pp 277, 335</ref>
The name, ''Rumex obtusifolius'', was assigned by [[Carl Linnaeus]] in the 18th century, and has remained unchanged, although there are numerous [[subspecies]].<ref name=cabi/> ''Rumex'' was [[Pliny the Elder|Pliny]]'s name for [[sorrel]],<ref name="gledhill">Gledhill, David (2008). "The Names of Plants". Cambridge University Press. {{ISBN|9780521866453}} (hardback), {{ISBN|9780521685535}} (paperback). pp 277, 335</ref> while ''obtusifolius'' means 'obtuse-leaved' (obtuse + foliage).<ref name=cabi/><ref name="gledhill" />
[[File:Rumex obtusifolius Sturm48.jpg|thumb|Botanical illustration of ''Rumex obtusifolius'']]

''Obtusifolius'' means 'obtuse-leaved' (obtuse + foliage).<ref name="gledhill" />


==Description==
==Description==
''Rumex obtusifolius'' is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant that grows to a height of {{convert|50|to|130|cm|0|abbr=on}}. It is easily recognizable by its very large oval leaves with cordate bases and rounded tips, some of the lower leaves having red stems. The edges of the leaves are slightly "crisped" or wavy, the upper surface is hairless and the under surface may be papillose. The leaves of this plant can grow to about {{convert|40|cm|0|abbr=on}} in length. The stems are tough, often reddish, and unbranched until just below the [[inflorescence]]. The junctions of the petioles with the stems are covered by a sheath formed by two fused [[stipules]] known as an [[ocrea]], a thin, paper-like membrane - a characteristic of the family [[Polygonaceae]]. The stem leaves are alternate and are narrowly ovate–lanceolate. The inflorescence consists of large clusters of [[raceme]]s which contain small greenish [[flower]]s that change to red as they mature. The perianth-segments are in two whorls of three. Segments in the outer whorl are small and spreading while the inner whorl forms fruit valves, which are widely ovately-triangular. The [[seed]]s produced are dry and reddish brown. This plant blooms June through September.<ref name=NatureGate>{{cite web |url=http://www.luontoportti.com/suomi/en/kukkakasvit/broad-leaved-dock |title=Broad-leaved Dock: ''Rumex obtusifolius'' |publisher=NatureGate |accessdate=2013-12-30}}</ref>
''Rumex obtusifolius'' is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant that grows to a height of {{convert|40|to|150|cm|0|abbr=on}}.<ref name=cabi/> It is easily recognizable by its very large oval leaves with cordate bases and rounded tips, some of the lower leaves having red stems.<ref name=cabi/> The edges of the leaves are slightly "crisped" or wavy, the upper surface is hairless and the under surface may be papillose.<ref name=cabi/> The leaves of this plant can grow to about {{convert|30|cm|0|abbr=on}} in length and {{convert|15|cm}} wide.<ref name=cabi/> The taproot is large, with numerous branches extending to a depth of {{convert|150|cm}}, with tough stems, often reddish, and unbranched until just below the [[inflorescence]].<ref name=cabi/>


The junctions of the petioles with the stems are covered by a sheath formed by two fused [[stipules]] known as an [[ocrea]], a thin, paper-like membrane – a characteristic of the family [[Polygonaceae]]. The stem leaves are alternate and are narrowly ovate–lanceolate. The inflorescence consists of large clusters of [[raceme]]s which contain small greenish [[flower]]s that change to red as they mature. The perianth-segments are in two whorls of three. Segments in the outer whorl are small and spreading while the inner whorl forms fruit valves, which are widely ovately-triangular. The [[seed]]s produced are dry and reddish brown. This plant blooms June through September.<ref name=NatureGate>{{cite web |url=http://www.luontoportti.com/suomi/en/kukkakasvit/broad-leaved-dock |title=Broad-leaved Dock: ''Rumex obtusifolius'' |publisher=NatureGate |access-date=30 December 2013}}</ref>
''[[Rumex crispus]]'' - curly dock - is very similar in appearance but with thinner and wavier leaves. In more detail, the [[sepal|calyx]] of curly dock has smooth margins while the calyx of broad-leaved dock has horned margins.

''[[Rumex crispus]]'' curly dock is similar in appearance, but with thinner and wave-like leaves. In more detail, the [[sepal|calyx]] of curly dock has smooth margins while the calyx of broad-leaved dock has horned margins.{{citation needed|date=April 2020}}


==Distribution and habitat==
==Distribution and habitat==
''Rumex obtusifolius'' is widely distributed throughout the world. It is a plant of arable land, meadows, waste ground, roadsides, ditches and shorelines.<ref name=NatureGate/>
''Rumex obtusifolius'' is widely distributed throughout the world.<ref name=cabi/> It is a plant growing readily on arable land, meadows, waste ground, roadsides, ditches, shorelines, riverbanks, woodland margins, forest clearings, and [[orchard]]s.<ref name=cabi/><ref name=NatureGate/> [[Seedling]]s can be identified by the oval leaves with red stems and rolled leaves sprouting from the center of the plant. Regrowth from the rosette usually takes place in spring.<ref name=cabi/>


==Uses==
[[Seedling]]s can be identified by the oval leaves with red stems and rolled leaves sprouting from the center of the plant.


Leaves of the plant can be used as salad,<ref name=cabi/> to prepare a vegetable broth or to be cooked like [[spinach]]. They contain [[oxalic acid]] which can be hazardous if consumed in large quantities.<ref>Vasas, A., Orbán-Gyapai, O. and Hohmann, J., 2015. The Genus ''Rumex'': Review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. ''Journal of ethnopharmacology'', 175, pp.198-228.</ref>The dried seeds can be ground to make flour. In [[Turkish cuisine|Turkey]], [[Romanian cuisine|Romania]] and [[Greek cuisine|Greece]] the leaves are sometimes used as an alternative to other plants in the making of [[sarmale]]. A tea prepared from the root was thought to cure boils.<ref>[http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/singlerecord.asp?id=220 Ohio Perennial and Biennial Weed Guide<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>
==Usage==


In Ireland and the United Kingdom, the plant is often found growing near [[Urtica dioica|stinging nettles]] and if stung, the dock leaf, squeezed to extract a little juice, can be rubbed on the skin to counteract the itching caused by brushing against a nettle plant.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Plants|url=https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/4428244/4388039/4510354 |website=The Schools' Collection}}{{unreliable source?|date=June 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |work=Ethnomedica |url=http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/ethnomedica/reports/dock.html |title=Recorded uses of' dock (''Rumex'' sp.) |access-date=15 April 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081120040109/http://www.rbgkew.org.uk/ethnomedica/reports/dock.html |archive-date=20 November 2008}} {{verify source |date=September 2019}}</ref>
Leaves of the plant can be used as salad, to prepare a vegetable broth or to be cooked like [[spinach]].
They contain [[oxalic acid]] which can be hazardous if consumed in large quantities. Dried seeds are used as a [[spice]]. In [[Romanian cuisine|Romania]], the leaves are sometimes used as an alternative to other plants in the making of [[sarmale]]. A tea prepared from the root was thought to cure boils.<ref>[http://www.oardc.ohio-state.edu/weedguide/singlerecord.asp?id=220 Ohio Perennial and Biennial Weed Guide<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

In the United Kingdom the plant is often found growing near [[Urtica dioica|stinging nettles]] and the underside of the dock leaf, squeezed to extract a little juice, can be rubbed on the skin to counteract the itching caused by brushing against a nettle plant.


===History===
===History===
Line 39: Line 40:
''Rumex obtusifolius'' is a major host plant for many different insects as well, including the ''[[Acronicta rumicis]]'' moth. For ''A. rumicis'' research, this host plant is generally targeted because it is found highly within the moth's range.<ref>Cho, Y., Kwon, O. & Nam, S.-H., 2006. Ecological and morphological characteristics of the endoparasitoids of larval ''Acronicta rumicis'' (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). ''Entomological Research'', 36, pp. 208–215.</ref>
''Rumex obtusifolius'' is a major host plant for many different insects as well, including the ''[[Acronicta rumicis]]'' moth. For ''A. rumicis'' research, this host plant is generally targeted because it is found highly within the moth's range.<ref>Cho, Y., Kwon, O. & Nam, S.-H., 2006. Ecological and morphological characteristics of the endoparasitoids of larval ''Acronicta rumicis'' (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). ''Entomological Research'', 36, pp. 208–215.</ref>


==Invasiveness and eradication==
==Eradication==


Broad-leaved dock is designated an "injurious weed" under the UK [[Weeds Act 1959]]. It has been an invasive species of the [[Great Lakes]] region of North America where it was first sighted in 1840.<ref>{{cite web |title= List of Invasive species in the Great Lakes Great Lakes United / Union Saint-Laurent Grands Lacs |url= http://www.glu.org/en/node/199 |accessdate= 2009-02-07 |url-status= dead |archiveurl= https://web.archive.org/web/20090429205753/http://www.glu.org/en/node/199 |archivedate= 2009-04-29 }}</ref>
''Rumex obtusifolius'' is an aggressive invasive species on all temperate continents.<ref name=cabi/> Broad-leaved dock is designated an "injurious weed" under the UK [[Weeds Act 1959]].<ref name=cabi/> It has been an invasive species of the [[Great Lakes]] region of North America where it was first sighted in 1840.<ref>{{cite web |title= List of Invasive species in the Great Lakes Great Lakes United / Union Saint-Laurent Grands Lacs |url= http://www.glu.org/en/node/199 |access-date= 7 February 2009 |url-status= dead |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20090429205753/http://www.glu.org/en/node/199 |archive-date= 29 April 2009 }}</ref>

Various [[Parasitism|parasite]]s and predators of ''R. obtusifolius'' include 32 insect species and 12 [[fungus|fungi species]].<ref name=cabi/> In the UK, the [[invertebrate]] [[herbivore]] species is a [[leaf beetle]], ''[[Gastrophysa viridula]]''.<ref name=cabi/>


==References==
==References==
{{Commons|Rumex obtusifolius}}
{{Wikispecies}}
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
{{Commons|Rumex obtusifolius}}
* {{PFAF|Rumex obtusifolius}}
* {{Calflora}}
* {{CalPhotos|Rumex|obtusifolius}}


{{Taxonbar|from=Q162800}}
{{Taxonbar|from=Q162800}}

Revision as of 14:43, 17 June 2024

Broad-leaved dock
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Polygonaceae
Genus: Rumex
Species:
R. obtusifolius
Binomial name
Rumex obtusifolius
Synonyms

Rumex sylvestris (Lam.) Campd.[1]

Rumex obtusifolius, commonly known as bitter dock,[2][3] broad-leaved dock, bluntleaf dock, dock leaf, dockens or butter dock, is a perennial plant in the family Polygonaceae. It is native to Europe, but is found on all temperate continents.[2][4][5] It is a highly invasive species in some zones, resulting from its abundant seed dispersal, adaptability to reproduce, aggressive roots, ability to tolerate extreme climates, and hardiness.[2]

Etymology

The name, Rumex obtusifolius, was assigned by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century, and has remained unchanged, although there are numerous subspecies.[2] Rumex was Pliny's name for sorrel,[6] while obtusifolius means 'obtuse-leaved' (obtuse + foliage).[2][6]

Botanical illustration of Rumex obtusifolius

Description

Rumex obtusifolius is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant that grows to a height of 40 to 150 cm (16 to 59 in).[2] It is easily recognizable by its very large oval leaves with cordate bases and rounded tips, some of the lower leaves having red stems.[2] The edges of the leaves are slightly "crisped" or wavy, the upper surface is hairless and the under surface may be papillose.[2] The leaves of this plant can grow to about 30 cm (12 in) in length and 15 centimetres (5.9 in) wide.[2] The taproot is large, with numerous branches extending to a depth of 150 centimetres (59 in), with tough stems, often reddish, and unbranched until just below the inflorescence.[2]

The junctions of the petioles with the stems are covered by a sheath formed by two fused stipules known as an ocrea, a thin, paper-like membrane – a characteristic of the family Polygonaceae. The stem leaves are alternate and are narrowly ovate–lanceolate. The inflorescence consists of large clusters of racemes which contain small greenish flowers that change to red as they mature. The perianth-segments are in two whorls of three. Segments in the outer whorl are small and spreading while the inner whorl forms fruit valves, which are widely ovately-triangular. The seeds produced are dry and reddish brown. This plant blooms June through September.[7]

Rumex crispus – curly dock – is similar in appearance, but with thinner and wave-like leaves. In more detail, the calyx of curly dock has smooth margins while the calyx of broad-leaved dock has horned margins.[citation needed]

Distribution and habitat

Rumex obtusifolius is widely distributed throughout the world.[2] It is a plant growing readily on arable land, meadows, waste ground, roadsides, ditches, shorelines, riverbanks, woodland margins, forest clearings, and orchards.[2][7] Seedlings can be identified by the oval leaves with red stems and rolled leaves sprouting from the center of the plant. Regrowth from the rosette usually takes place in spring.[2]

Uses

Leaves of the plant can be used as salad,[2] to prepare a vegetable broth or to be cooked like spinach. They contain oxalic acid which can be hazardous if consumed in large quantities.[8]The dried seeds can be ground to make flour. In Turkey, Romania and Greece the leaves are sometimes used as an alternative to other plants in the making of sarmale. A tea prepared from the root was thought to cure boils.[9]

In Ireland and the United Kingdom, the plant is often found growing near stinging nettles and if stung, the dock leaf, squeezed to extract a little juice, can be rubbed on the skin to counteract the itching caused by brushing against a nettle plant.[10][11]

History

In George Eliot's Adam Bede, set in the early 19th century, broad dock leaves were used to wrap farmhouse butter.[12]

Host plant

Rumex obtusifolius is a major host plant for many different insects as well, including the Acronicta rumicis moth. For A. rumicis research, this host plant is generally targeted because it is found highly within the moth's range.[13]

Invasiveness and eradication

Rumex obtusifolius is an aggressive invasive species on all temperate continents.[2] Broad-leaved dock is designated an "injurious weed" under the UK Weeds Act 1959.[2] It has been an invasive species of the Great Lakes region of North America where it was first sighted in 1840.[14]

Various parasites and predators of R. obtusifolius include 32 insect species and 12 fungi species.[2] In the UK, the invertebrate herbivore species is a leaf beetle, Gastrophysa viridula.[2]

References

  1. ^ "Rumex sylvestris – Wallr". eunis.eea.europa.eu. Retrieved 14 February 2021.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r "Rumex obtusifolius (broad-leaved dock)". CABI. 22 November 2019. Retrieved 30 April 2020.
  3. ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Rumex obtusifolius". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
  4. ^ "Broad-leaved dock". Queensland Government. Retrieved 17 March 2016.
  5. ^ "Broad-leaved dock". Massey University (New Zealand). Retrieved 17 March 2016.
  6. ^ a b Gledhill, David (2008). "The Names of Plants". Cambridge University Press. ISBN 9780521866453 (hardback), ISBN 9780521685535 (paperback). pp 277, 335
  7. ^ a b "Broad-leaved Dock: Rumex obtusifolius". NatureGate. Retrieved 30 December 2013.
  8. ^ Vasas, A., Orbán-Gyapai, O. and Hohmann, J., 2015. The Genus Rumex: Review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 175, pp.198-228.
  9. ^ Ohio Perennial and Biennial Weed Guide
  10. ^ "Plants". The Schools' Collection.[unreliable source?]
  11. ^ "Recorded uses of' dock (Rumex sp.)". Ethnomedica. Archived from the original on 20 November 2008. Retrieved 15 April 2008. [verification needed]
  12. ^ Eliot, George (1859). Adam Bede (Modern Library, 2002); p93-94.
  13. ^ Cho, Y., Kwon, O. & Nam, S.-H., 2006. Ecological and morphological characteristics of the endoparasitoids of larval Acronicta rumicis (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). Entomological Research, 36, pp. 208–215.
  14. ^ "List of Invasive species in the Great Lakes Great Lakes United / Union Saint-Laurent Grands Lacs". Archived from the original on 29 April 2009. Retrieved 7 February 2009.