Climbing dock
| Botanical Name | Rumex sagittatus |
|---|---|
| Family | Polygonaceae |
| Origin | South Africa |
Identification
Low climbing or scrambling herb. Tuberous woody rootstock, stems to 3 m long. Arrow-head shaped leaves 30-80 x 20-60 mm. Spikes of small, attractive yellow-pink flowers Nov-Mar are very distinctive.Habitats
Coastal areas, road and railway verges, waste lands, near hedges and settled areas. Common and widespread.Impact to Biota and Ecosystems
Develops into smothering mass among native plants.Dispersal Routes, Vectors, Infestation Sources
Persistent tubers and creeping rooting stems. Broken roots resprout. Wind dispersed seed.Management
|
Management |
|
| Physical Control |
Grubbing out roots is very difficult and any root portion broken off will sprout. |
| Disposal | |
| Chemical Control |
Spray with selected herbicide. (i) Tordon 2 g granules (Herbicide has long residual life in soil.) Rate - 2 g per plant. Apply ½ level teaspoon to the crushed centre of each plant. (ii) Metsulfuron + Penetrant Rate - Knapsack 5 g Metsulfuron + 10 ml Penetrant/10 litres water. (iii) Glyphosate + Penetrant Rate - Handgun 1 litre Glyphosate + 200 ml Penetrant/100 litres water. Knapsack 100 ml Glyphosate + 20 ml Penetrant/10 litres water. |
|
Biological Control |
|
| Recommended Approach |
Develops numerous tubers beneath the soil surface, allowing plant to easily regenerate if the top growth is pulled away. Spray with Glyphosate or Metsulfuron. |