Contents
Description
Rumex Persicarioides Var. Fueginus, also known as Patagonian dock, is a perennial herbaceous plant from South America. It belongs to the family Polygonaceae and is commonly found in Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. The plant has a deep taproot system and can grow up to 1.5 meters in height. The leaves are green, lanceolate, and have a distinct red margin. The flowers are small and greenish-red in color, and bloom from December to February.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Genus | Rumex |
Appearance
Rumex Persicarioides Var. Fueginus has a striking appearance due to its red-edged leaves that can grow up to 30 cm in length. The stem is stout and erect, and the plant grows in a rosette form. The flowers are small and greenish-red in color, and the plant blooms from December to February. When the plant is in full bloom, it can be quite visually appealing, especially when grown in mass plantings.
Care Guide
To care for Rumex Persicarioides Var. Fueginus, it is recommended to plant it in well-draining soil in a sunny to partially shaded location. The plant prefers moist soil, so make sure to water it regularly. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring, and again in midsummer. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10 and can tolerate light frost.
Common Pests & Diseases
Rumex Persicarioides Var. Fueginus is relatively resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to rust, which appears as yellow or orange spots on the leaves. To prevent rust, make sure to keep the plant well-spaced and avoid overhead watering. In addition, keeping the foliage dry can help prevent fungal diseases.
Habitat
Rumex Persicarioides Var. Fueginus is native to South America and is commonly found in Argentina, Chile, and the Falkland Islands. It grows in a variety of habitats, including meadows, grasslands, and open woodlands. In addition, it can be found growing along roadsides and in disturbed areas.
Question and Answer
Q1: Can Rumex Persicarioides Var. Fueginus be grown in containers?
A1: Yes, this plant can be grown in containers as long as it is kept well-watered and fertilized.
Q2: Is Rumex Persicarioides Var. Fueginus invasive?
A2: No, this plant is not considered invasive.
Q3: Does Rumex Persicarioides Var. Fueginus have any medicinal properties?
A3: The plant has been used in traditional medicine to treat various ailments such as diarrhea and skin infections.
Q4: How often should I fertilize Rumex Persicarioides Var. Fueginus?
A4: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring, and again in midsummer.
Related Plants
- Rumex acetosa (common sorrel)
- Rumex crispus (curly dock)
- Rumex obtusifolius (bitter dock)
- Rumex sanguineus (bloody dock)
References
- Bailey, L. H., & Bailey, E. Z. (1976). Hortus Third: A Concise Dictionary of Plants Cultivated in the United States and Canada. Macmillan.
- Flora of North America Editorial Committee. (2005). Flora of North America North of Mexico, Volume 5: Magnoliophyta: Caryophyllidae, part 2. Oxford University Press.
- USDA. (2021). Plants Database. Rumex persicarioides var. fueginus. Retrieved from https://plants.usda.gov/home/plantProfile?symbol=RUPRF
