Common Name:

General Information

Rumex hastatus is a much-branched perennial plant with stems that become more or less woody and persist; it can grow around 50 - 90cm tall
The plamt is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

Plants can contain quite high levels of oxalic acid, which is what gives the leaves of many members of this genus an acid-lemon flavour. Perfectly alright in small quantities, the leaves should not be eaten in large amounts since the oxalic acid can lock-up other nutrients in the food, especially calcium, thus causing mineral deficiencies. The oxalic acid content will be reduced if the plant is cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[].

Botanical References

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Range

E. Asia - Himalayan and mountainous regions of Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Bhutan and China

Habitat

Wasteland, dry mountain slopes and rocky fissures; at elevations from 600 - 3,200 metres[]. Shady slopes or dry streambeds; at elevations from 1,000 - 2,600 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Shrub
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Species in this genus generally succeed in a variety of soils, but they prefer deep fertile moderately heavy soils that are humus-rich, moisture-retentive and also well-drained, with a position in full-sun or part shade[]. This species is likely to succeed in dry soils.
Being wind -pollinated, Rumex species usually hybridize readily, especially with other members of the genus they are more closely related to[].

Edible Uses

Tender young leaves and shoots - raw or cooked[]. A sour, acid flavour, it is eaten as a sorrel[, , ].

Medicinal

The juice of the plant is astringent and is used in the treatment of bloody dysentery[]. The fresh tuber is chewed to relieve aches in the throat[].

Other Uses

The root contains 25 - 30% tannin[].
Although no specific mention has been made for this species, dark green to brown and dark grey dyes can be obtained from the roots of many species in this genus, They do not need a mordant[].

The light red wood is moderately hard[], but too small for any purpose other than fuel.

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a cold frame. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in the summer.
Division in spring.