Wildflower of the valley
Sorrel
Rumex acetosa
- Family
- Polygonaceae (Knotweed family)
- Local name
- Chukil
- Type
- Herb
- Height
- 30–1 m
- Altitude
- 3000–4500 m
- Flower colour
- green
- Flowering
- June to August
About Sorrel
Rumex acetosa is a dieocious herb of 30 - 1m height with grooved stems. Basal leaves are ovate lanceolate, sagittate. Stem leaves are smaller. Flowers are reddish green and many in slender or terminal. the specific name Acetosa refers to its acidic taste.
Habitat
Very common on mountain slope and meadow.
Uses & folklore
Local people use the whole plant as a laxative and in stomach disorders. Leaves are edible and used in chutneys. The plant is accredited with astringent, diuretic, antipyretic and wormicidal properties. In Homeopathy the plant is used for treating spasms and skin diseases.
What the name means
Rumex is the classical Latin name for docks and sorrels; acetosa means "sour" — the leaves taste sharply acidic.
More photos
Discover the beauty of Rumex Acetosa, a flower admired for its resilience and unique floral patterns in wild alpine meadows.
