The Bladderdock
Rumex vesicarius is an abundant
annual found on rocky land and shallow sand. It is most noticeable when
fruiting, when it bears large, long clusters of papery winged fruits that are
often pink, red or pale straw in colour. Sandwiched between the wings is the
seed. The leaves are glabrous and slightly succulent. They are the favorite
food of the Striped Hawkmoth caterpillar, which in a rainy year, can be seen
feeding on these plants in large numbers. Its height is up to 35 centimetres
and it has been used in traditional medicine to cure stomach complaints and
toothache.
