Rumex
(the old Latin name used by Pliny). Dock. ORD. Polygonaceae. A large genus of perennial or rarely annual herbs, sometimes sub-shrubs, rarely tall shrubs, distributed thought all temperate climates. About 130 species have been enumerated, but the number is estimated by some authors at less than 100. Flowers fasciculate in the nodes; fascicles axillary or disposed in terminal racemes or panicles. Leaves sometimes all radical, sometimes alternate on the stems and branches. The species are mostly worthless, and, in some cases, very troublesome, weeds. Eleven are natives of Britain, among them may be mentioned R. Acetosa (Sorrel), the leaves of which have been used as Spinach, and R. Patientia (Herb Patience).