Fr 
382 THE POLYGONUM FAMILY. [| Rumex. 
in many respects R. sanguineus, of which it may be a tall, luxuriant variety, 
showing some approach to R. Hydrolapathum. Stem 2 or 3 feet high, 
Leaves often pointed, as in R, Hydrolapathum, but more waved on the 
edges, and the lower ones often rounded or even cordate at the base, 
Panicle with spreading branches and distinct whorls, as in R. sanguimeus, 
but larger, Inner perianth-segments narrow-ovate, rather larger than in 
R. Ni i and usually all three equal, with an oblong tubercle upon 
each. 
In meadows, pastures, and waste places, usually in richer and wetter 
situations than R. sanguineus, widely spread over Europe and central and 
Russian Asia, except the extreme north, and apparently naturalized in 
many other parts ofthe world. Generally distributed over Britain, but not 
always readily distinguished from R. sanguineus. Hl. summer, 
6, R. sanguineus, Linn. (fig. 861). Red-veined Dock.—Stem not so 
tall as in most of the preceding species, seldom above 2 feet, and more 
branched. Radical leaves oblong or lanceolate, sometimes cordate at the 
base, waved on the edges, and sometimes narrowed in the middle as in 
R. pulcher. Panicle leafy at the base, with stiff, though slender, very 
spreading branches; the whorls of flowers all distinct. Pedicels shorter 
than in the foregoing, but longer than in the following species. Fruiting 
perianths small; the inner segments narrow, and entirely or scarcely 
toothed, one about 1% lines long, with a large tubercle, the two others 
usually smaller, without any or only a very small tubercle. 
On roadsides, in ditches, pastures, and waste places, throughout Europe 
and Russian Asia, except the extreme north, usually accompanying #. 
crispus and R. obtusifolius. Abundant in Britain. FU. summer. It varies 
considerably, and often assumes a red tint, especially on the leafstalks and 
panicle. 
7. R. pulcher, Linn. (fig. 862). Fiddle Dock.—A rather low species, 
often not a foot high, and seldom 2 feet, with stiff, very spreading branches, 
Leaves chiefly radical, oblong, cordate at the base, and often narrowed in 
the middle. Whorls of flowers all quite distinct, forming very compact 
clusters ; the fruiting pedicels thickened and recurved, shorter than the 
perianth. Inner segments toothed, as in &. obtusifolius, but narrow- 
ovate, all 3, or only 1 or 2 of them bearing a tubercle. 
On roadsides and in waste places, in central and southern Europe and 
western Asia, very common in the Mediterranean region, but not extending 
into northern Germany. In Britain, chiefly in southern England, but 
occurs as far north as Nottingham and North Wales. #1. summer. 
8. R. maritimus, Linn. (fig. 863). Golden Dock.—Stem 1 to lz feet 
high, often much branched. Leaves narrow-lanceolate or linear. Flowers 
very small and very numerous, densely crowded in globular axillary whorls, 
even the upper floral leaves being much longer than the flowers. Pedicels 
slender but short. Inner segments of the fruiting perianth lanceolate or 
triangular, fringed with rather long fine teeth, and with a narrow-oblong 
tubercle upon each segment. The whole plant, and especially the perianth, 
often assumes a yellowish hue. . 
In marshes, chiefly near the sea, in temperate Kurope and Russian Asia, 
extending northwards into Scandinavia. In Britain, apparently confined 
to England and Ireland. FU. summer, A more luxuriant variety, with 
