Curly Dock (Rumex crispus fauriei): A Lesser-Known Dock Variety
If you’ve stumbled upon the name Rumex crispus fauriei while researching plants for your garden, you’ve discovered one of the more mysterious members of the dock family. This particular variety of curly dock represents an interesting case study in plant identification and regional botanical variations.
What Exactly Is Rumex crispus fauriei?
Rumex crispus fauriei is a perennial forb that belongs to the broader curly dock family. As a forb, it’s a non-woody plant that lacks the significant woody tissue you’d find in shrubs or trees. Instead, it maintains its structure through herbaceous growth, with perennating buds that survive at or below ground level through seasonal changes.
This plant also goes by the synonym Rumex fauriei Rech. f., which you might encounter in older botanical references or regional plant databases.
Where Does It Grow?
Currently, Rumex crispus fauriei is documented as growing in Hawaii, where it has established itself as a non-native species. The plant reproduces spontaneously in the wild without human intervention and has shown the ability to persist in Hawaiian ecosystems.
The Mystery of Limited Information
Here’s where things get interesting (and a bit frustrating for curious gardeners): there’s remarkably little specific information available about Rumex crispus fauriei as a distinct variety. This could mean several things:
- It may be a regional variant that hasn’t been extensively studied
- The taxonomic classification might be in flux or disputed
- It could be so similar to common curly dock that most sources don’t distinguish between them
Should You Grow It in Your Garden?
Given the limited information available about this specific variety and its non-native status, most gardeners would be better served by exploring native alternatives. While we don’t have evidence that Rumex crispus fauriei is invasive or noxious, choosing native plants is generally the safer and more ecologically beneficial route.
If you’re in Hawaii and interested in dock-like plants, consider researching native species that provide similar characteristics but support local ecosystems. Native plants are adapted to local conditions, require less maintenance, and provide better habitat for local wildlife.
The Broader Dock Family
While we can’t provide specific growing advice for Rumex crispus fauriei due to limited research, dock plants in general are known for being quite hardy and adaptable. They typically prefer areas with adequate moisture and can tolerate various soil conditions. However, many dock species can become weedy if not properly managed.
A Word of Caution
Because of the uncertainty surrounding this plant’s characteristics and behavior, it’s wise to approach it with caution. Non-native plants, even those not currently listed as invasive, can sometimes develop problematic behaviors over time as they adapt to new environments.
The Bottom Line
Rumex crispus fauriei remains something of an enigma in the plant world. While it’s documented as present in Hawaii, the lack of detailed information about its specific characteristics, growing requirements, and ecological impact makes it difficult to recommend for home gardens. Your best bet is to explore well-documented native alternatives that will provide beauty, ecological benefits, and the satisfaction of supporting local biodiversity.
If you’re determined to learn more about this plant, consider reaching out to local botanical gardens, university extension services, or native plant societies in Hawaii who might have firsthand experience with this particular variety.
