Rumex vesicarius 'Bladder Dock'

[Ex. Rhodes, Greece]

Polygonaceae: an erect, succulent annual herb which grows to up about 60 cm high and has triangular to ovate leaves which are truncate or cordate at the base and about 5–10 cm long, with entire margins. The stipules form an almost complete sheath around the stem which disintegrates. The flowers are green with a red tinge and have six perianth segments with the inner three becoming enlarged and papery when fruiting. The hard, red and reticulately veined fruit persist. Native to Southern Europe - Greece. Western Asia, and North Africa.

USES:

The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. They have an acid flavour and are used like sorrel as a flavouring in salads or as a spinach.

The leaves are aperient, astringent, diuretic, and cooling. The seed is cooling. It is roasted and used in the treatment of dysentery. The juice of the plant is cooling. It is useful in treating heat of the stomach, to allay the pain of toothache and, by its astringent properties, to check nausea.

GROWING INFORMATION:

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. Succeeds in most soils, preferring a moist moderately fertile well-drained soil in a sunny position.

HARVESTED: 2023*

 

APPROX. 20 SEEDS