Rumex bucephalophorus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Polygonaceae
Genus: Rumex
Species:
R. bucephalophorus
Binomial name
Rumex bucephalophorus
L.

Rumex bucephalophorus, also known as horned, red, or ruby dock is an annual herbaceous plant that is part of the family Polygonaceae.[1] The scientific name Rumex bucephalophorus was first described and published by Linnaeus in 1753 in Species Plantarum.[1] Other scientific names have also been given to Rumex bucephalophorus such as Bucephalophora aculeata and Lapathum bucephalophorum.[1] R. bucephalophorus is most commonly found in subcoastal or coastal regions, but also are "casual aliens", few and far between, among inland populations.[2] Rumex bucephalophorus is native to the Mediterranean Basin and grows best in areas with little human intervention.[3]

Description

The stems of R. bucephalophorus are thin and branch off the base of the plant about 5 to 50 centimeters long. The leaves of the plant vary as they can be circular and ovate or lengthened and lancelate anywhere in between.[1] The pedicels are known to be heteromorphic often distinguishing this plant from others.[1] Flowers are often found in groups of 2 to 3 in clusters and are also often heteromorphic.[1] Like its leaves, the flowers of R. bucephalophorus often vary greatly but are generally triangular and 2–4 mm long.[1]

The Rumex bucephalophorus flowers appear red and blossom between the months of December and May.[4]

Distribution

The genus Rumex is mostly distributed throughout North America and Europe.[2] However, Rumex bucephalophorus flourishes in habitats that are quite sandy and rocky therefore it often is found by the sea.[4] The Atlantic coast of southwestern Europe, the northwestern region of Macaronesia and Morocco, and the coastlands of the Mediterranean Basin are where R. bucephalophorus is most widely distributed.[2]

Subspecies

Rumex bucephalophorus is unique as it is a polymorphic species resulting in 8 different subspecies as well as dozens of variants and subvariants.[5]

  • Rumex bucephalophorus ssp. aegaeus
  • Rumex bucephalophorus ssp. bucephalophorus
  • Rumex bucephalophorus ssp. canariensis
  • Rumex bucephalophorus ssp. graecus
  • Rumex bucephalophorus ssp. fruticescens
  • Rumex bucephalophorus ssp. gallicus
  • Rumex bucephalophorus ssp. hipporegii
  • Rumex bucephalophorus ssp. hispanicus

Uses

R. bucephalophorus does not have any known uses, but it is an edible plant.[4] There is a danger, however, because its leaves contain a high level of oxalic acid that can be potentially dangerous in large amounts.[4] This oxalic acid gives the leaves an acid-lemon flavor.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Rumex bucephalophorus in Flora of North America @ efloras.org". www.efloras.org. Retrieved 2019-10-03.
  2. 1 2 3 Talavera, Maria (December 2011). "Molecular phylogeny and systematics of the highly polymorphic Rumex bucephalophorus complex (Polygonaceae)". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 61 (3): 659–70. doi:10.1016/j.ympev.2011.08.005. PMID 21864695.
  3. ↑ Talavera, María (12 July 2012). "Evolution of dispersal traits in a biogeographical context: a study using the heterocarpic Rumex bucephalophorus as a model". Journal of Ecology. 100 (5): 1194–1203. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2745.2012.01999.x.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 "Rumex bucephalophorus red dock PFAF Plant Database". pfaf.org. Retrieved 2019-10-03.
  5. ↑ "Tropicos | Name - Rumex bucephalophorus L." www.tropicos.org. Retrieved 2019-10-03.
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