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 pāwale. Pāwale 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 | |
|---|---|
_(6545957837).jpg)
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Polygonaceae |
| Genus: | Rumex |
| Species: | R. skottsbergii
|
| Binomial name | |
| Rumex skottsbergii | |
Description
editRumex 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
editRumex skottsbergii are found in Hawaii and are species that flourish in low elevation and open lava fields.[2]
Uses
editRumex 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
edit- ^ USDA, NRCS (n.d.). "Rumex skottsbergii". The PLANTS Database (plants.usda.gov). Greensboro, North Carolina: National Plant Data Team. Retrieved 26 October 2015.
- ^ a b c d e 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.
- ^ Wagner, W. L., Sohmer, S. H., & Herbst, D. R. (1999). Manual of the flowering plants of Hawai'i. Honolulu: Univ. of Hawaii Press.
- ^ "Comprehensive Report Species - Rumex skottsbergii". explorer.natureserve.org. Retrieved 2019-10-03.
- ^ "Inflorescence Terminology (Part 1)". www2.palomar.edu. Retrieved 2019-11-16.
- ^ "Native Plants Hawaii - Viewing Plant : Rumex skottsbergii". nativeplants.hawaii.edu. Retrieved 2019-10-05.