Classification
Class
Magnoliopsida Brongn.
Order
Caryophyllales Juss. ex Bercht. & J.Presl
Family
Polygonaceae
Genus
Rumex L.
 Nomenclature
Scientific Name:
Rumex sagittatus Thunb. (1794)
Synonymy:
  • ≡ Acetosa sagittata (Thunb.) L.A.S.Johnson & B.G.Briggs (1962)
Vernacular Name(s):
Climbing dock
 Description

Climbing or scrambling, dioecious or monoecious perennial with tuberous woody rootstock; stems to c. 3 m long, glabrous, flexuous. Lvs all similar. Petioles slender, = or often > lamina. Lamina 3–8 × 2–6 cm, ± triangular or hastate with 2 long basal lobes at 45° to petiole, otherwise entire, slightly puberulent on main veins below when young; sinus broad and rounded; apex acuminate to cuspidate. Panicle pyramidal, with small lvs in the lower axils only. Pedicels filiform, long, glabrous. Perianth 1.5–2 mm long, green; outer segments ± ovate-oblong, becoming strongly reflexed in ♀ fls. Fr. valves (4)–6–9–(9.5) mm diam., orbicular, entire, prominently reticulate, cordate, yellow, pink to crimson; tubercles 0. Nuts c. 3 mm long, glossy light brown; keels almost winged.

[From: Webb et al. (1988) Flora of New Zealand. Volume 4.]

 Biostatus
Exotic
 Phenology

Flowering: Nov.–Mar.

 Bibliography
Biosecurity New Zealand 2012: Regional Pest Management Strategies Database. http://www.biosecurityperformance.maf.govt.nz/
Howell, C. 2008: Consolidated list of environmental weeds in New Zealand. DOC Research & Development Series 292: 42.
Mabberley, D.J. 2002: Potentilla and Fragaria (Rosaceae) reunited. Telopea 9(4): 793–802.
Mabberley, D.J. 2008: Mabberley's plant book, a portable dictionary of plants, their classification and uses. Edition 3. Cambridge University Press.
Weeds Key – interactive key to the weed species of New Zealand