Rumex bucephalophorus

The stems of R. bucephalophorus are thin and branch off the base of the plant about 5 to 50 centimeters long. The leaves of the plant vary as they can be circular and ovate or lengthened and lancelate anywhere in between.[1] The pedicels are known to be heteromorphic often distinguishing this plant from others.[1] Flowers are often found in groups of 2 to 3 in clusters and are also often heteromorphic.[1] Like its leaves, the flowers of R. bucephalophorus often vary greatly but are generally triangular and 2–4 mm long.[1]

The Rumex bucephalophorus flowers appear red and blossom between the months of December and May.[4]

The genus Rumex is mostly distributed throughout North America and Europe.[2] However, Rumex bucephalophorus flourishes in habitats that are quite sandy and rocky therefore it often is found by the sea.[4] The Atlantic coast of southwestern Europe, the northwestern region of Macaronesia and Morocco, and the coastlands of the Mediterranean Basin are where R. bucephalophorus is most widely distributed.[2]

Rumex bucephalophorus is unique as it is a polymorphic species resulting in 8 different subspecies as well as dozens of variants and subvariants.[5]

• Rumex bucephalophorus ssp. aegaeus
• Rumex bucephalophorus ssp. bucephalophorus
• Rumex bucephalophorus ssp. canariensis
• Rumex bucephalophorus ssp. graecus
• Rumex bucephalophorus ssp. fruticescens
• Rumex bucephalophorus ssp. gallicus
• Rumex bucephalophorus ssp. hipporegii
• Rumex bucephalophorus ssp. hispanicus

R. bucephalophorus does not have any known uses, but it is an edible plant.[4] There is a danger, however, because its leaves contain a high level of oxalic acid that can be potentially dangerous in large amounts.[4] This oxalic acid gives the leaves an acid-lemon flavor.[4]