Sorrel
27183
225555069
2008-07-14T08:14:02Z
Richard New Forest
2962903
Remove dab item dealt with by redirect.
{{Otheruses4|the common sorrel plant|related sorrel plants|Rumex|Jamaican red sorrel|Roselle (plant)|the Oxalis plant|Wood sorrel|the horse coat colour|Sorrel (horse)}}
{{Taxobox
| name = Sorrel
| image = rumex_acetosa_cultivar_01.jpg
| image_width = 250px
| regnum = [[Plant]]ae
| divisio = [[Flowering plant|Magnoliophyta]]
| classis = [[Dicotyledon|Magnoliopsida]]
| ordo = [[Caryophyllales]]
| familia = [[Polygonaceae]]
| genus = ''[[Rumex]]''
| species = '''''R. acetosa'''''
| binomial = ''Rumex acetosa''
| binomial_authority = [[Carolus Linnaeus|L.]]
}}
'''Common sorrel''' ('''''Rumex acetosa'''''), also known as '''spinach dock''' and either ''ambada bhaji'' or ''gongoora'' in [[Indian cuisine]], is a [[perennial plant|perennial]] [[Herbaceous plant|herb]] that is cultivated as a garden [[herb]] or [[leaf vegetable]] (pot herb).
Sorrel is a slender [[plant]] about 60 cm high, with roots that run deep into the ground, as well as juicy stems and edible, oblong [[Leaf|leaves]]. The lower leaves are 7 to 15 cm in length, slightly arrow-shaped at the base, with very long [[Petiole (botany)|petiole]]s. The upper ones are [[sessile]], and frequently become crimson. The leaves are eaten by the [[larva]]e of several species of [[Lepidoptera]] ([[butterfly]] and [[moth]]) including the [[Blood-vein]] moth.
It has whorled spikes of reddish-green [[flower]]s, which bloom in June and July, becoming purplish. The [[stamen]]s and [[pistil]]s are on different plants ([[dioecious]]); the ripe [[seed]]s are brown and shining.
Common sorrel has been cultivated for centuries. The leaves may be puréed in [[soup]]s and [[sauce]]s or added to [[salad]]s and [[shav]]; they have a flavor that is similar to [[kiwifruit]] or sour [[strawberry|wild strawberries]]. The plant's sharp taste is due to [[oxalic acid]], and so may be [[Contraindication|contraindicated]] in people with [[Rheumatism|rheumatic]]-type complaints, [[kidney]] or [[bladder stone]]s{{Clarifyme|date=March 2008}}<!-- Why? -->. Sorrel is also a [[laxative]].
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{Herbs & spices}}
[[Category:Polygonaceae]]
[[Category:Herbs]]
[[Category:Leaf vegetables]]
[[Category:Medicinal plants]]
[[Category:Underutilized crops]]
[[Category:Caribbean cuisine]]
[[ar:حماض بستاني]]
[[bg:Киселец]]
[[ca:Agrella]]
[[cs:Šťovík kyselý]]
[[da:Almindelig Syre]]
[[de:Wiesen-Sauerampfer]]
[[eo:Okzalo]]
[[es:Rumex acetosa]]
[[fi:Niittysuolaheinä]]
[[fr:Oseille]]
[[gl:Aceda]]
[[is:Túnsúra]]
[[it:Rumex acetosa]]
[[ja:スイバ]]
[[hu:Sóska]]
[[nl:Veldzuring]]
[[os:Хуырхæг]]
[[pl:Szczaw zwyczajny]]
[[ru:Щавель]]
[[sv:Ängssyra]]
[[vi:Chút chít (cây)]]
[[uk:Щавель кислий]]
[[zh:酸模]]