Rumex bucephalophorus
Rumex bucephalophorus
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade:
Embryophytes
Clade:
Tracheophytes
Clade:
Spermatophytes
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 acidlemon flavor.[4]
References
1. "Rumex bucephalophorus in Flora of North America @ efloras.org".
www.efloras.org. Retrieved 2019-10-03.
2. 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. "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.