Rumex mexicanus, as recognised here, is found from New Mexico to southern Mexico. It has often been recognized in a broader sense than it is treated here, including in it several other taxa with a range extending into western Canada[]. Consequently, some of the reports included here should more properly belong to other, closely related taxa, although all the taxa are likely to have a similar range of uses[].

Common Name: Mexican Dock

General Information

Rumex mexicanus is an erect to ascending perennial plant growing from a vertical rootstock, occasionally with short, creeping rhizomes; it can grow around 30 - 60cm tall, occasionally to 100cm[].
The plant 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

,

Range

Southwestern N. America - New Mexico, south to southern Mexico

Habitat

Shores of streams and rivers, wet meadows; at elevations around 1,000 metres[]

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Wind
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Succeeds in most soils, preferring a moist moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position.
Plants succeed outdoors at Cambridge Botanical gardens and are growing well in Cornwall[].
Being wind -pollinated, Rumex species usually hybridize readily, especially with other members of the genus they are more closely related to[].

Edible Uses

Young leaves - cooked[, , , ]. Used as greens[].

Seed - cooked or ground into a powder and used for making gruel or added to cereal flours and used for making bread[, ]. The seed is rather small and fiddly to harvest.

Medicinal

An infusion of the leaves has been taken by childless women to help them become pregnant[].
An infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of sore throats[].

A strong infusion of the root has been used to help a woman become pregnant[]. The infusion was taken four times a day (upon rising, at midday, at sunset and upon going to bed) for a month[].
A decoction of the white root has been used to regulate the menstrual cycle[]. There is a suggestion that it was used to facilitate an abortion.
A decoction of the red root has been used to treat fevers[].
A poultice of the crushed root has been used to treat burns[].

A decoction of the plant has been used to treat intestinal disorders and liver complaints[].
A decoction of the plant has been used externally to treat swellings and painful joints[].

Other Uses

The dried, crushed roots have been used as a tinder[].

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 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.