Wild
Flowers Of Strathclyde Park
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Common-Sorrel
Rumex
acetosa
of
the Dock family
a
perennial
50 -100 cm high
blooms
May - August
likes grassy places
can be seen around the Pond
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The
name 'acetosa' refers to the acidic nature of the leaves of this plant.
This is due to oxalic acid. In medieval times this property was used in
food flavouring in much the same way as lemons are used now. Sorrel leaves
were also used as a stain remover-again made possible due to their acidity.
Roman soldiers used to suck on the leaves to soothe their thirst-a fact
indicated in the other part of the scientific name, 'Rumex', from 'rumo'
meaning 'to suck'. |
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