Origin
Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin is a subspecies of the Rumex mexicanus Meisn. plant which is native to Mexico and parts of western North America. The var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin subspecies is found in more northern regions including Alaska, Canada, and parts of Siberia.
Common Names
The Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin subspecies is commonly known by several names including Arctic dock, Sorrel, and Alaska dock. These names are derived from its northern range and the dock family to which it belongs.
Uses
The Arctic dock plant has several uses including medicinal and culinary purposes. The plant is an excellent source of vitamin C, which makes it a popular ingredient in several dishes. Native Alaskans use the plant to make a sour soup, while the plant has been introduced as an ingredient in salads and stews in other parts of the world.
Medicinally, the roots and leaves of the plant have been used to treat a variety of health conditions. The plant is known for its astringent properties, which make it useful in treating diarrhea, dysentery, and bleeding. It may also be used in treating conditions such as anemia and skin irritations.
General Appearance
The Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin subspecies is a perennial plant that can grow up to 50 cm in height. It has large, smooth, oval or heart-shaped green leaves that are tinged with red or purple. The leaves are situated on long, thin stalks that emerge from a central stem. Small green flowers bloom in clusters on tall stalks during the summer months. The Arctic dock plant is a very hardy species that can survive in harsh, northern climates.
Growth Conditions for Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin
Light Conditions: Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin prefers to grow in areas that receive partial to full sunlight. The plant grows well in both sunny and partially shady locations as long as there is enough light to support growth. In an area that receives too little light, the plant tends to become spindly and weak.
Temperature: The plant grows well in different temperature ranges, including both warm and cool regions. Ideally, the plant grows best in temperatures ranging between 10°C and 20°C. When the temperatures are too high, especially during the summer months, the plant may require more frequent watering to keep it hydrated. Extreme temperatures below 0°C may cause the plant to die off.
Soil Requirements: Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin thrives in well-drained soil that is neutral to slightly acidic. The soil should be rich in organic matter and have good water holding capacity. The plant prefers soils that are moist but not waterlogged. An excessively dry soil may cause the plant to wilt. It is advisable to add compost or organic matter to soil before planting the plant.
Watering: The plant should be watered regularly, especially in dry spells, to maintain good growth. The plant requires at least one inch of water every week. However, care should be taken not to overwater the plant as waterlogged soil may lead to root rot.
Fertilizer: The plant does not require much fertilizer. A light application of a balanced fertilizer, once or twice a year, will be sufficient to provide the necessary nutrients for growth. However, excessive fertilization may lead to a large, weak plant that is more susceptible to disease and pests.
Cultivation of Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin
Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin is a hardy perennial plant that can tolerate a wide range of temperatures and growing conditions. It prefers well-drained soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0, and requires full sun to partial shade for optimal growth. This plant can be propagated from seed or vegetatively by root division in the early spring or late fall.
Watering Needs for Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin
Although Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin is a drought-tolerant plant, it requires regular watering during its growing season. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Watering should be done deeply and less frequently rather than shallowly and often to promote healthy root growth.
Fertilization of Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin
Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin can benefit from regular fertilization during its growing season. A balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can be applied every 4-6 weeks to promote healthy growth and development. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid over-fertilization which can lead to leaf burn or stunted growth.
Pruning Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin
Pruning is not required for Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin, but removing dead or damaged leaves can promote healthy growth and keep the plant looking tidy. Stem tips can also be pinched back to encourage bushier growth and prevent the plant from becoming too leggy. Pruning should be done in the early spring before new growth appears.
Propagation of Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin
Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin is a hardy perennial plant commonly known as Arctic dock. It is a herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae and is native to Arctic regions of North America. Propagation of Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin can be done through seeds, cuttings, and division.
Propagation by seeds
Propagation of Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin can be done through seeds. The seeds of the plant are small, oval-shaped, and blackish-brown. They can be collected from mature plants in late summer or early fall. The seeds must be cleaned and dried before storage. They can then be stored in a cool and dry place until planting. The seeds can be planted in a well-draining soil mix in early spring, and the soil must be kept moist. Germination will occur in about 2 weeks, and the seedlings must be thinned out to prevent overcrowding.
Propagation by cuttings
Propagation of Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin can also be done through cuttings. The cuttings must be taken from mature plants during the growing season. The cuttings must be about 6 inches in length and must include a few leaves and a stem node. The cuttings can be planted in a well-draining soil mix and kept moist until rooting occurs. This can take about 2-3 weeks. Once the cuttings have rooted, they must be transplanted into individual containers or into the ground.
Propagation by division
Propagation of Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin can also be done through division. The plant can be divided during the growing season by carefully digging up the plant and dividing the root system into several sections. Each section must have a few leaves and a healthy root system. The divided sections can then be planted in individual containers or in the ground. Watering must be done regularly until the plants are established.
Disease Management
Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin may be affected by various diseases that can cause significant damage to the plant if not managed efficiently. Some of the most common diseases that affect this plant include:
- Anthracnose: It is a fungal disease that causes yellowing, wilting, and defoliation of leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy the infected parts of the plant and apply a fungicide to prevent further spread.
- Leaf Spot: It is a fungal disease that causes circular or irregularly shaped spots on the leaves. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected leaves and avoid overhead watering.
- Powdery Mildew: It is a fungal disease that appears as a white powdery substance on the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. To manage this disease, it is recommended to remove and destroy infected parts of the plant and improve air circulation around the plant.
Pest Management
Rumex mexicanus Meisn. var. subarcticus (Lepage) Boivin may be affected by different pests that can cause damage to the plant. The most common pests that affect this plant include:
- Aphids: They are small sap-sucking insects that can cause curling and yellowing of leaves. To manage this pest, it is recommended to remove them manually or apply insecticidal soap.
- Spider mites: They are tiny insects that cause discoloration and wilting of leaves. To manage this pest, it is recommended to wash the leaves with water or apply a miticide.
- Slugs and Snails: They cause holes in leaves and flowers. To manage this pest, it is recommended to use traps or baits or handpick them off the plant.
Regularly checking and monitoring the plant for signs of diseases and pests can help keep it healthy. Preventive measures such as keeping the plant well-watered, fertilized, and properly pruned can reduce the risk of disease and pest infestations.
