 |
I am fascinated by the diversity of the Docks. They are charming and horrifying in almost equal
measure. I love to see the bold foliage of Rumex crispus smothering the abandoned corners
of towns and cities. It is a wonderful foliage plant and far too prolific to allow anywhere near a garden
(with the possible exception of a minimalist 'art' garden). A couple of years ago I saw a magnificent plant of R. azoricus grown by a friend, and he kindly gave me a handful of seed. It has grown into a wonderful foliage plant protected by the greenhouse but I don't think I am going to allow it to flower. It is a rare species from the Azores that I would hate to lose but don't need to excess. It doesn't seem to be all that weedy but I didn't have any difficulty raising a dozen seedlings. It prospered for several years but died out in the Agave house one winter. I'm not sure if it died from cold or drought. Propagate-one say online: "The Azores Dock (Rumex azoricus), a captivating herbaceous plant with its vibrant green leaves and delicate flower stalks, is sadly critically endangered. Found only on a handful of islands in the Azores archipelago, this botanical treasure faces an uphill battle for survival." The flora.on website says: "Calderas, banks of watercourses, natural meadows. In São Jorge it also appears in coastal bush clearings of Erica azorica and Myrica faya. It occurs in São Miguel, Faial, São Jorge, Terceira, Corvo and Pico. Its presence on Pico was only detected in June 2023." |
|
| 15th November 2013 | ||
