Family: Polygonaceae
Author: Le Gall
Bibliography: Congr. Sci. France 16: 143 (1850)
Year: 1850
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Rumex
Vegetable: False
Observations: SW. Great Britain to NW. Spain
Description
Shore dock, known scientifically as Rumex rupestris, is a fascinating and ecologically significant species belonging to the family Polygonaceae. Described in 1850 by the botanist Le Gall in the 16th Congress of Science of France (Congr. Sci. France 16: 143), this plant has since garnered considerable interest due to its unique habitat and distribution.
Predominantly found along the coastal regions, shore dock is native to the shores extending from the southwestern parts of Great Britain to the northwestern fringes of Spain. This geographical spread places the plant in both temperate and maritime climates, where it thrives in rocky coastal environments. The plant’s ability to adapt to these rigorous conditions is a testament to its resilience and specialized evolutionary traits.
Shore dock is distinguished by its distinctive morphology, which enables it to withstand the harsh saline conditions of its coastal habitats. Typically, the plant showcases broad, robust leaves, and a sturdy stem, often flowering during the warmer months. The flowers, although not overly conspicuous, play a crucial role in the ecological dynamics of coastal ecosystems by providing sustenance for local insect populations.
The ecological relevance of Rumex rupestris extends beyond its immediate environment. As a pioneer species, it contributes significantly to soil stabilization along cliff edges and rocky shores. This function is critical in areas prone to erosion, where the plant’s root systems help maintain the integrity of the shoreline. Moreover, it serves as an indicator species for the health of coastal ecosystems, reflecting changes in environmental conditions.
Despite its resilience, shore dock faces several challenges. Human activities, such as coastal development and pollution, alongside climate change, pose significant threats to its natural habitats. Conservation efforts are therefore pivotal to ensure the survival of this species. By protecting Rumex rupestris, conservationists also safeguard a myriad of other organisms that rely on these coastal ecosystems.
In conclusion, shore dock (Rumex rupestris) is more than just a plant; it is a vital component of coastal botanical life, playing a crucial role in the stabilization and health of shorelines. Its study and conservation are imperative for maintaining the ecological balance and biodiversity of the coastal regions it inhabits.
Common Names
Deu: felsen ampfer
Fra: oseille des rochers
Eng: shore dock
Cym: tafol y traeth, tafolen y traeth
En: Shore dock
Fr: Oseille des Rochers, Rumex des rochers
De: Felsen Ampfer
Cy: Tafolen y traeth, Tafol y Traeth
Synonyms
- Rumex conglomeratus subsp. rupestris ((Le Gall) Bonnier & Layens)
Distribution
- France (native)
- Great Britain (native)
- Spain (native)
Additional Images
Leaf
Taken Sep 30, 2012 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)
Taken May 12, 2007 by Martin Bishop (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2021 by Manuel Ibanez (cc-by-sa)
Taken Feb 2, 2022 by Rohit Tanwar (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Sep 30, 2012 by Alain Lagrave (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 4, 2021 by pierre buttin (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 15, 2021 by S K (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2021 by Manuel Ibanez (cc-by-sa)
Fruit
Taken Jun 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 3, 2013 by Tela Botanica − Marie PORTAS (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 16, 2021 by Manuel Ibanez (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jun 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 8, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jun 6, 2017 by Tela Botanica − Sylvain PIRY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 17, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Hugues TINGUY (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Jul 15, 1996 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)
Taken Sep 15, 2005 by Photoflora – Jean-Luc TASSET (©)
Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/4036610)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:697469-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Rumex rupestris Le Gall)
Specifications
Growth
Ph maximum: 7.0
Ph minimum: 6.5
Light: 7
Atmospheric humidity: 8
Bloom months: [‘jul’, ‘aug’, ‘sep’]
Soil nutriments: 6
Soil salinity: 7
