Ruby dock (Rumex bucephalophorus, Sp. Pl.: 336 (1753))

Family: Polygonaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 336 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Rumex

Vegetable: False

Observations: Medit.

Description

The Ruby dock, scientifically known as Rumex bucephalophorus, is an intriguing plant that belongs to the Polygonaceae family. This species was first described in 1753 by the renowned botanist Carl Linnaeus, as documented in his seminal work “Species Plantarum.”

Endemic to the Mediterranean region, the Ruby dock thrives in its warm, temperate climate. Its distinctive appearance and robust nature make it a notable member of the local flora. Exhibiting a unique combination of vibrant hues, the plant earns its common name due to the deep red coloration often found in its stems and leaves, which can add a striking contrast to the greenery surrounding it.

This plant, like others in its genus, is characterized by its adaptability and resilience in various environments, typically flourishing in regions with well-draining soils. The Ruby dock’s lifecycle and morphology have been subjects of numerous botanical studies, contributing to our understanding of the Polygonaceae family and its ecological significance.

In summary, Rumex bucephalophorus, or the Ruby dock, is a Mediterranean-native plant noted for its distinctive red coloring and historical botanical acknowledgment by Linnaeus. As a member of the Polygonaceae family, it continues to be of interest for both its visual appeal and its role in the ecosystem.

Common Names

Dan: krumpigget skræppe
Eng: red dock, horned dock, ruby dock
Deu: stierkopf-ampfer
Swe: oxhornssyra
En: Ruby dock, Red dock, Horned dock
Ar: حماض (حُمَّاض)، حميض (حُمِّيض)
Ca: Agrella borda, Agrelleta de bou, Vinagrella borda
Da: Krumpigget skræppe
Fi: Häränhierakka, Häränpäähierakka
Fr: Oseille tête-de-boeuf, Rumex tête-de-boeuf, Oseille tête-de-bœuf
De: Stierkopf-Ampfer, Ochsenkopf-Ampfer
He: חומעת ראש-הסוס
It: Romice capo di bue, Rómice capo di bue
Es: Acedera borde, Acedera de lagarto
Sv: Oxhornssyra

Synonyms

• Lapathum bucephalophorum ((L.) Lam.)
• Acetosa bucephalophora ((L.) Fourr.)
• Bucephalophora aculeata (Pau)

Distribution

• Albania (native)
• Algeria (native)
• Azores (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• East Aegean Is. (native)
• France (native)
• Greece (native)
• Italy (native)
• Kriti (native)
• Lebanon-Syria (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Portugal (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Turkey (native)
• Turkey-in-Europe (native)
• Louisiana (introduced)

Additional Images

Habit

Taken Apr 10, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 28, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 10, 2007 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2016 by Tela Botanica − John DE VOS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Anna MAILLE (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken May 10, 2021 by Sergio costantini (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Abel Duranona (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2021 by Giorgio Fornara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2022 by Martina 3PL (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 23, 2022 by Giorgia 2pl (cc-by-sa)

Leaf

Taken Dec 8, 2020 by Oleg Kalachov (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 31, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Liliane ROUBAUDI (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2021 by Giorgio Fornara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 17, 2021 by Giorgio Fornara (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 20, 2021 by Abel Duranona (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 15, 2009 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Aug 15, 2007 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken May 6, 2018 by Tela Botanica − José Luis ROMERO REGO (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken May 8, 2019 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Apr 22, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Emmanuel STRATMAINS (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2011 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Mar 23, 2022 by Martina 3PL (cc-by-sa)

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

© 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/2888993)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:696956-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rumex bucephalophorus L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 9.0

Ph minimum: 8.0

Light: 8

Atmospheric humidity: 4

Soil nutriments: 6