Family Index

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Scientific Name

Rumex bidens

Family Name

POLYGONACEAE

Common Name

Mud Dock

Status

Rare

Height

120cm

Flowers

The numerous, erect flowering stems are thick and hollow.

Fruit

Nut

Form

Stout aquatic herb with spreading, floating stems. Leaves are stalked near the base of the plant and have blunt tips. Upper leaves are narrower and have sharper tips.

Municipalities

Central Highlands; Flinders Island; Georgetown; Latrobe; Launceston; Northern Midlands; Southern Midlands

Communities

Habitat Notes

Marshes and drainage channels, especially in the north of the State.

Site Tolerance

Frost Tolerance

Soil Tolerance

General Notes

Easily grown from seed; seed does not require treatment, and results are usually good. If Rumex is allowed to set seed, it can even become weedy in nurseries. Can also be propagated by division. Seed is eaten by waterbirds. Important in traditional medicine, rich in Vitamin C and can be used as leafy greens, although shouldn't be consumed in large amounts. Suitable below powerlines.

Propagation Details

Propagation Calendar

Flowering Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Seed Collecting Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Sowing Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Cutting Months

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Fruit is small and fawnish-brown, with teeth or spines on the margins. Nuts release easily when ripe.

Seed Treatment Method

Seed Storage Life

Viable Seeds Per Gram

Seed Treatment Notes

Germination Time

2-3 weeks

Suitable for Direct Seeding

Cuttings

Expected Time to Take Root

Expected Time to Plant Out

Propagation by Division N.B. Transplant only from nearby to avoid disease.

Yes

Cutting Notes