Common Name: Golden Dock

General Information

Rumex maritimus is an annual, occasionally biennial plant growing from an erect, spindle-shaped root; the erect, branched stems can grow around 15 - 75cm tall[, ]
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine.

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

Widespread through temperate Eurasia but absent from Spain and southwest Asia

Habitat

Bare muddy ground by lakes, reservoir margins, dried up ponds and occasionally in damp grassy places[], often by the coast[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Habit	Annual/Biennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in most soils but prefers a deep fertile moderately heavy soil that is humus-rich, moisture-retentive but well-drained and a position in full-sun or part shade[]. Plants are likely to require a moist to wet soil.
Closely related to Rumex palustris[].
Being wind -pollinated, Rumex species usually hybridize readily, especially with other members of the genus they are more closely related to[].

Edible Uses

Leaves - cooked[].

Seed - cooked[]. It can be ground into a powder then mixed with water and cooked like porridge[].

Medicinal

The leaves are applied externally to burns[].

The seeds are aphrodisiac[]. They contain about 5% tannin[].

The plant is cooling[]. an infusion is used to treat bloat[].

Other Uses

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[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in situ.