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GENERAL
Origin
:
sub-tropical
Vigour
:
fast growing
Humidity
:
very arid, semi-
arid
Propagation :
direct sowing
Maintenance :
low
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
low, none
Salinity/ppm :
high (3500 ppm)
Hardiness
:
-6°C
SHAPE
Type
:
annual
Height
:
0.5 m
Spread
:
0.5 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
red
Size
:
2 cm
Period
:
February - May
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
nutlet
Fruit size
:
0.5 cm
Toxicity
:
edible, leaf
Rumex vesicarius is known in Arabic as humeidh. This annual herb is native to the Arabian pen-
insula and can be found throughout Saudi Arabia. The annual is fast growing and reaches 50 cm
in height and width. The shape is that of a dwarf shrub, regular and upright. The fleshy leaves are
green ovate-triangular. The leaves are edible. The pale-red, raceme-like flowers appear in spring.
In full sun, the winged bloom becomes dark red. The 5-mm seeds grow inside the winged flow-
er. Propagation can be done by seeds. Humeidh grows in silty, loamy soil, and has a lateral root
system. Branches are fragile and may need wind protection. It is quite tolerant to salinity and
needs moist soil. After rainfall in late winter and spring, it is very widespread in Arriyadh and
the surrounding area, lending desert landscapes a soft reddish bloom. On the escarpment of the
Tuwaiq Palace in the Diplomatic Quarter, it has spread by self-seeding, and provides a very attrac-
tive sight in the spring every year, especially after rains. With increasing heat, Rumex will vanish
during summer until the following winter or spring. For landscape design purposes, Rumex is
useful in open country as a coloniser and slope stabiliser. Because it is native in the Kingdom, it is
valuable for the rehabilitation of natural plant cover. In seed mixtures, it will support natural soil
preparations in its pioneering function. Rumex is valuable as a groundcover and bedding plant in
urban situations, and has potential for use as an annual for street planting in winter.
264
Rumex vesicarius,
Polygonaceae
Bladder Dock,
Sorrel, humeidh