tolerates the dry coastal sand dunes
- Size
- Height: 10-30 cm, Spread: up to 50 cm
- Lifespan
- Perennial
- Diet
- Photosynthetic herb. Obtains nutrients from sandy or gravelly soils. Not applicable as autotroph.
- Habitat
- Coastal areas, sand dunes, grasslands, and disturbed ground. Prefers sandy or gravelly soils. Tolerates salt spray and drought.
- Range
- Native to New Zealand. Found in coastal areas of North Island and South Island from Northland to Otago.
- Endemism
- Endemic
- Main Threats
- Coastal development and habitat loss. Erosion of sand dunes.
- Population
- Found in coastal areas of North Island and South Island. Not threatened.
- Conservation Status
- data_deficient
- Human Risk
- harmless
- Handling Note
- native herb, safe to handle
- Conservation Note
- Endemic herb; data insufficient for full threat classification.
- Assessment
- NZTCS Vascular Plants (2023)
- Te Ao Māori
- Rumex flexuosus has no recognised Māori name. May have been used as flavouring or green vegetable. Tangy leaves would have been noticed by Māori. Though records of use are sparse.
Rumex flexuosus has tangy leaves. Fits wild herb category nicely. Native dock is small, sprawling herb. Narrow, fleshy leaves. Leaves have tangy, lemony flavour. Similar to sheep's sorrel. Grows in coastal areas. On sand dunes and grasslands.
Leaves are narrow, fleshy, bright green. Sometimes with red tinge. Sour to taste. Stems are sprawling. Spreading across ground. Flowers are small, reddish, in clusters. Name flexuosus means winding or zigzag. Referring to twisted stems.
Species is native to New Zealand. Found only here.
Leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. Add tangy flavour to salads. Can be used in sauces. They are wild herb.
Rumex flexuosus is not threatened. Locally common. Habitat vulnerable to development.
This native dock is reminder. Wild herbs are all around us. Tangy. Sour. Edible. Waiting to be tasted. It carries on regardless.