Canary Island Sorrel

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Canary Island Sorrel

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Menophyla polygama
• Acetosa lunaria
• Menophyla lunaria
• Rumex polygamus
• Lapathum arborescens

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant, known scientifically as Rumex lunaria, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Caryophyllales. It is a member of the Polygonaceae family and falls under the genus Rumex.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific geographical range concentrated within certain Mediterranean and Atlantic regions. In Southwestern Europe, it can be found growing on the island of Sardegna. Its distribution extends into Southeastern Europe, where it is located in Italy. Furthermore, the species is present in the Southeastern European territory of Sicilia. Finally, its reach extends to Macaronesia, specifically within the Canary Is.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Rumex lunaria is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. Throughout its developmental stages, the plant exhibits an evergreen habit, maintaining its foliage and vegetative presence rather than shedding it seasonally.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Rumex lunaria is characterized by a growth form that transitions between a herb and a shrub, exhibiting a woody nature in its structure. The plant is self-supporting rather than acting as a climber, requiring no external support such as a liana or vine to maintain its upright posture. It displays a versatile ecological habit, ranging from aquatic and semiaquatic environments to terrestrial habitats, and functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite or an epiphyte. In terms of stature, the plant reaches a height of at least 1 meter, with a maximum potential growth of up to 3 meters.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

3 m

Plant height min:

1 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiology of Rumex lunaria is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, indicating a reliance on the standard Calvin cycle for carbon fixation. The plant exhibits morphological adaptations for moisture retention through succulence, which assists in managing internal water potential. Its foliar structure consists of ovate-shaped leaves arranged in an alternate pattern along the stem. These leaves vary in size, with a minimum length of 2.5 cm and a maximum length of 5 cm, while their width ranges from a minimum of 2.5 cm to a maximum of 6 cm.

Leaf arrangement :

alternate

Leaf form :

ovate

Leaf length max:

5 cm

Leaf length min:

2.5 cm

Leaf width max:

6 cm

Leaf width min:

2.5 cm

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Succulence :

yes

Reproduction

The reproduction of Rumex lunaria is characterized by a flowering cycle that is highly flexible, with the flowering period capable of starting as early as December and concluding around May, though the timing remains variable. The plant produces its flowers in the form of a panicle inflorescence, which reaches a maximum length of 0.15 meters.

Flowering time :

Dec

Flowering time :

May

Inflorescence :

panicle

Inflorescence length max:

0.15 m

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Rumex lunaria has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Natural product research

Chemicals

Rumex lunaria has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Carotenoids.

Carotenoids

1. Natural product research

Conditions

Rumex lunaria has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include free-radical.

Free-radical

1. Natural product research