Rumex skottsbergii

Rumex skottsbergii, or more commonly known as lava dock,[1] is a shrub of the genus Rumex. The genus comprises approximately 200 species all derived from a single species and are therefore monophyletic.[2] Furthermore, Rumex skottsbergii is endemic to Hawaii, where it is known as pawale. Pawale are commonly found in open lava fields that are at low elevations which range from 460-1300m.[3][4] A similar plant in this genus is Rumex giganteus. Their similarity lies between their erect nature and leaves. However, the difference lies in their inflorescences.[2] The inflorescences is described as being a cluster of flowers from the main stem axis .[5]

Rumex skottsbergii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Family: Polygonaceae
Genus: Rumex
Species:
R. skottsbergii
Binomial name
Rumex skottsbergii

Description

Rumex skottsbergii can be identified through their green, narrow, compact inflorescences, erect nature and small leaves. Their stems are usually stiffly erect with 7-10dm long and glabrous.[2] Rumex skottsbergii can also be identified through their unisexual flowers and medium-sized yellowish greenish branched inflorescences; their outer tepals are also a distinguishable trait found within this genus.[2]

Distribution

Rumex skottsbergii are found in Hawaii and are species that flourish in low elevation and open lava fields.[2]

Uses

Rumex skottsbergii was used for medicinal purposes and was used to treat a childhood's diseases known as pāʻaoʻao and constipation. The childhood disease would cause physical weakening.[6]

References
  1. "Rumex skottsbergii". Natural Resources Conservation Service PLANTS Database. USDA. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
  2. Fosberg, F. Raymond (1991). "Manual of the Flowering Plants of Hawaii, by Warren L. Wagner, D.R. Herbst & S.H. Sohmer. (Bishop Museum Special Publication 83.) University of Hawaii Press and Bishop Museum Press, Honolulu, Hawaii, USA: 2 vols, 1,853 pp., 240 plates, 24 × 15 × 15 cm, [no price indicated], 1990". Environmental Conservation. 18 (2): 191. doi:10.1017/s0376892900022001. ISSN 0376-8929.
  3. Wagner, W. L., Sohmer, S. H., & Herbst, D. R. (1999). Manual of the flowering plants of Hawai'i. Honolulu: Univ. of Hawaii Press.
  4. "Comprehensive Report Species - Rumex skottsbergii". explorer.natureserve.org. Retrieved 2019-10-03.
  5. "Inflorescence Terminology (Part 1)". www2.palomar.edu. Retrieved 2019-11-16.
  6. "Native Plants Hawaii - Viewing Plant : Rumex skottsbergii". nativeplants.hawaii.edu. Retrieved 2019-10-05.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.