Canary island sorrel (Rumex lunaria, Sp. Pl.: 336 (1753))

Family: Polygonaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 336 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rumex

Vegetable: False

Observations: Canary Is.

Description

The Canary Island sorrel, scientifically known as Rumex lunaria, is a captivating and unique plant native to the Canary Islands. This perennial herb belongs to the Polygonaceae family, a group renowned for its diverse and widespread species. The plant was first described in the seminal botanical work “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus.

Growing primarily in the distinctive climates of the Canary Islands, Rumex lunaria has adapted to thrive in its localized environment. It is often found in coastal regions and mountainous terrains, displaying remarkable resilience to varying conditions.

Characterized by its distinctive appearance, the Canary Island sorrel features broad, heart-shaped leaves that offer a succulent texture and a notable sour flavor, reflective of its name. The foliage is typically vibrant green, providing a striking contrast to its surroundings. During its flowering phase, the plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that later develop into reddish-brown seeds, a common trait within the Polygonaceae family.

The adaptability and unique attributes of Rumex lunaria make it a plant of interest not only to botanists but also to horticulturists and gardeners. It serves as both an ornamental plant due to its lush foliage and as a potential culinary herb given its tangy taste, akin to common sorrel varieties.

In addition to its aesthetic and gastronomic qualities, the Canary Island sorrel plays a role in local ecosystems. It contributes to soil health and erosion control, acting as a stabilizing ground cover in its native habitats.

In summary, Rumex lunaria, or Canary Island sorrel, is a remarkable plant with a rich history and a range of practical applications. Its enduring presence in the Canary Islands underscores its ecological significance and the importance of preserving indigenous flora.

Common Names

Deu: kanaren-ampfer
Ita: romice lunaria
Spa: vinagrera
Swe: kanariesyra
En: Canary Island sorrel
Fi: Kuuhierakka
De: Kanaren-Ampfer
It: Romice lunaria
Es: Vinagrera
Sv: Kanariesyra
: Canary island sorrel

Synonyms

• Rumex arboreus (Salisb.)
• Acetosa lunaria ((L.) Mill.)
• Rumex polygamus (Cav.)
• Lapathum arborescens (Moench)
• Menophyla lunaria ((L.) Raf.)
• Menophyla polygama ((Cav.) Raf.)

Distribution

• Canary Is. (native)
• Italy (introduced)
• Sardegna (introduced)
• Sicilia (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Dec 9, 2021 by correa maria (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2021 by jcasado94 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 25, 2021 by patrick Weill (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 23, 2021 by jcasado94 (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Ada El Brocense (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Apr 9, 2012 by Carlos Villasante (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 17, 2021 by Karim Khayati (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 9, 2012 by Carlos Villasante (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 29, 2020 by Jean-Christophe Lombardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 9, 2022 by Gerrit Busser (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 30, 2021 by La Nena (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 4, 2022 by Alvaro Bueno (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 9, 2012 by Carlos Villasante (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 14, 2022 by Remko Roodselaar (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 3, 2017 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 9, 2019 by Mar Ocêana do (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 29, 2020 by Jean-Christophe Lombardo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 3, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 4, 2012 by Tela Botanica − Yoan MARTIN (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2010 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2008 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Feb 15, 2019 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Mar 15, 2013 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4032398)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:697279-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rumex lunaria L.)

Specifications

Growth