English name:        Rumex

Synonyms:   Yellow Dock Root, Broad-leaved Rumex, Broad-leaved Dock Root.

Botanical origin:   Rumex obtusifolius L.

Part used:            root

Impurities:   Not more than 5% of stem bases.

Assay:        None given.

Ash:      Not more than 10%.

Habitat:   Europe, Asia; naturalized in US and Canada.

Description:     Broad-leaved rumex occurs as a mixture of entire roots and as transverse or longitudinal sections of roots.  The entire roots are simple or branched and twisted, and they measure up to 35 cm. in length and up to 30 mm in diameter.  The stem is pale yellowish brown.  The surface of the roots is mostly free of annulate portions.  They are finely furrowed longitudinally and have few fine rootlets or root scars.  The fracture is brittle when the root is dry, but pliable when it is moist.  The outline of the cross-sections is cylindrical or irregular.  The cortex is dark greenish yellow, thick and finely radiate.  The cambium zone is nearly black.  The wood frequently separates from the cambium upon drying.  The outer part is very fibrous and grayish white;