Rumex crispus
Common name
curled dock
Family
Polygonaceae
Flora category
Vascular – Exotic
Structural class
Herbs - Dicotyledons other than Composites
NVS code
The National Vegetation Survey (NVS) Databank is a physical archive and electronic databank containing records of over 94,000 vegetation survey plots - including data from over 19,000 permanent plots. NVS maintains a standard set of species code abbreviations that correspond to standard scientific plant names from the Ngä Tipu o Aotearoa - New Zealand Plants database.
RUMCRI
Conservation status
Not applicable
Wetland plant indicator status rating
Information derived from the revised national wetland plant list prepared to assist councils in delineating and monitoring wetlands (Clarkson et al., 2021 Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research Contract Report LC3975 for Hawke’s Bay Regional Council). The national plant list categorises plants by the extent to which they are found in wetlands and not ‘drylands’. The indicator status ratings are OBL (obligate wetland), FACW (facultative wetland), FAC (facultative), FACU (facultative upland), and UPL (obligate upland).
FAC: Facultative
Commonly occurs as either a hydrophyte or non-hydrophyte (non-wetlands).
Similar taxa
Perennial with large, yellow, somewhat branched taproot, reproducing by seed. Stems smooth, erect 0.3 to 1.2 m tall, single or in groups from the root crown. Leaves mostly basal, smooth, 15 to 30 cm long, lanceolate, with wavy curled edges. Upper leaves alternate, the base of the short petiole having a papery sheath surrounding the stem. Flowers in dense clusters on branches at tip of stem, without petals, small, greenish, becoming reddish-brown at maturity. (Wax, Fawcett and Isely 1981).
Flower colours
Brown, Green
Year naturalised
1832
Origin
Europe, N. Africa, W. Asia
Etymology
rumex: Sorrel
Reproduction
seed
Seed
Seeds brown, shiny, triangular, and sharp-edged, surrounded with 3 heart shaped bracts with smooth edges. greenish, becoming reddish-brown at maturity.