Golden dock facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Golden dock |
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| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Rumex
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| Species: |
maritimus
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Rumex maritimus, often called golden dock or bristle dock, is a plant that usually lives for about one year. It's part of the Rumex group of plants. You can find Rumex maritimus growing in countries like Argentina, Canada, China, and the United States. It grows naturally in Canada and most of the U.S. states. This plant belongs to the Polygonaceae family.
Contents
What Does Golden Dock Look Like?
Golden dock plants have golden yellow or green-yellow inflorescences (which are clusters of flowers) on their leaves and stems. The plant can grow to be about 15 to 75 centimeters (6 to 30 inches) tall. Its stems can grow straight up or lie close to the ground.
The leaves of the golden dock are often narrow at both ends, shaped like a wedge. They can be from 7 to 25 centimeters (3 to 10 inches) long and 1.5 to 4 centimeters (0.6 to 1.6 inches) wide. The leaves are usually shaped like a spearhead, which is called lanceolate. Each flower on the golden dock plant is small, about 2.5 to 3 millimeters (0.1 inches) wide.
Where Does Golden Dock Grow?
Rumex maritimus is quite rare in Ireland, though it has been seen there since the late 1800s. In Britain, it's found in only a few specific places.
In the United States, some types of golden dock are a special concern because they are becoming rare. For example, in Connecticut, the "seaside dock" is a plant of special concern, and in New York, the "golden dock" is considered endangered. This means there are not many of these plants left, and people are working to protect them.
Golden dock often grows in areas that get flooded with water. When it's flooded, the water can carry its seeds to new places, helping the plant spread.
How Do People Use Golden Dock?
Many parts of the golden dock plant have been used for different purposes. For example, the leaves of Rumex maritimus have been used to help heal burns and skin problems like ringworm. The roots of the plant have also been used to treat skin diseases.
People have also used Rumex maritimus as food. Its seeds can be ground into a powder and used to make porridge. The leaves of the plant can also be cooked and eaten like a vegetable.
See also
In Spanish: Romaza mínima para niños
