Shrubs of Morni: Arrowleaf Dock

Arrowleaf Dock/ Churki/ Khatti booti (Rumex hastatus) is a bushy shrub of the rocky hillsides of Western Himalayas that grows at altitudes ranging from 700 to 2500 metres. Leaves are 1 to 3 inches long, narrow, arrow-shaped, thick and fleshy. Its tiny flowers are an attractive pink, often tinged with green and occur on terminal panicles. The stems are woody at the base with many ascending branches. The leaves have a pleasant acidic flavour (‘khatta’ खट्टा) and are used for preparing pickles and chutney. Leaf extracts are used to check bleeding. Root has laxative properties.
Its found commonly in the Morni hills especially at Sherla and around Thandog where the locals refer tothe bushy shrub as ‘Malorhah’.

Arrowleaf Dock/ Rumex hastatus, Sherla, Morni hills (April)

Flowers of Arrowleaf Dock

The resplendent rumex hastatus at Sherla

Leaves of Arrowleaf Dock

Filed in: Trees & Shrubs