Polygonaceae FAMILY

Rumex dentatus

Edibility

2/5

Medicinal

2/5

Safety & 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[ 238 Title Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Publication Author Bown. D. Publisher Dorling Kindersley, London. Year 1995 ISBN 0-7513-020-31 Description A very well presented and informative book on herbs from around the globe. Plenty in it for both the casual reader and the serious student. Just one main quibble is the silly way of having two separate entries for each plant. ].

Botanical Description

Rumex dentatus is an erect, annual to biennial plant, branched from the base and growing around 30 - 70cm tall[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ]. The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Habitat & Origin

Origintemperate

Native RangeN. Africa - Tunisia to Egypt; southeast Europe then eastwards through central Asia to the Himalayas and China

HabitatDeep situations, 1,700 - 2,200 metres in Kashmir[ 145 Title Forest Flora of Srinagar. Publication Author Singh. Dr. G. and Kachroo. Prof. Dr. P. Publisher Bishen Singh Mahendra Pal Singh Year 1976 ISBN - Description A good flora of the western Himalayas but poorly illustrated. Some information on plant uses. ]. Moist valleys and mountain slopes; at elevations from sea level to 2,500 metres[ 266 Title Flora of China Publication Author Website http://flora.huh.harvard.edu/china/ Publisher Missouri Botanical Garden Press; St. Louis. Year 1994 ISBN Description An excellent, comprehensive resource in 25 volumes. In addition to the botanical information the flora also gives basic information on habitat and some uses. An on-line version is also available. ].