Scientific Name: Rumex bidens

Common Name: mud dock

Family Classification (Clade): Eudicots

Family: Polygonaceae

Threatened Species Status: Vulnerable

Permit: It is an offence to collect, disturb, damage or destroy this species unless under permit.

Form Description: Stout aquatic herb with spreading, floating stems. Leaves are stalked near the base of the plant and have blunt tips. Upper leaves are narrower and have sharper tips.

Flowers: The numerous, erect flowering stems are thick and hollow.

Fruit: Nut – small and fawnish-brown, with teeth or spines on the margins.

Municipality
Central HighlandsFlindersGeorge TownLatrobeLauncestonNorthern MidlandsSouthern Midlands
Plant Communities
No data available for this species
Habitat Notes

Marshes and drainage channels, especially in the north of the State.

General Notes

If Rumex is allowed to set seed, it can become weedy. Seed is eaten by waterbirds. Important in traditional medicine, rich in Vitamin C and can be used as leafy greens, although shouldn’t be consumed in large amounts.

Propagation Calendar

  • Flowering Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Seed Collecting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Sowing Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  • Cutting Month
    Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Propagation Method
SeedDivision

Seed Information

Seed Collection

Easily grown from seed. Nuts release easily when ripe.

Seed Treatment Method

Standard Scatter seed thinly on to damp potting mix. Hold seed in place by covering with more potting mix to approximately the depth of the seed size.

Seed Treatment Notes

Seed does not require treatment and results are usually good.

Germination Time

2-3 weeks

Cutting & Division Information

Can be propagated by division.