Sorrel

Introduction[edit]

Rumex acetosa, commonly known as sorrel or garden sorrel, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Polygonaceae family. It is native to Eurasia and has been introduced to other regions such as North America, Australia, and New Zealand^[1]^[2]. Sorrel is valued for its edible leaves, which have a tangy, sour-lemony flavor, making it a popular ingredient in various cuisines around the world^[3]^[4].

Characteristics[edit]

Physical Characteristics: Sorrel plants typically grow to about 60 cm (24 inches) in height. They have arrow-shaped leaves that can develop shades of deeper greens, reds, and purples in their veins. The leaves are rich in vitamins A and C and have been used for their nutritional and medicinal properties^[5]^[6].
Growing Conditions: Sorrel thrives in average, medium, well-drained soil under full sun conditions. It is hardy in zones 3 to 7 and can self-seed, spreading in gardens^[7]. It can grow in poor soil and is often found in waste places, meadows, and cultivated fields^[8].
Lifecycle: Sorrel is a perennial plant that flowers from May to June, producing whorled spikes of reddish-green flowers that turn purplish with age^[9]^[10].

Why is this crop useful for space?[edit]

Sorrel could be beneficial for space cultivation due to several reasons: - Nutritional Value: Sorrel is rich in essential vitamins and minerals, making it a nutritious addition to space diets where access to fresh produce is limited^[11]. - Hardiness and Adaptability: Its ability to grow in poor soil and tolerate various environmental conditions could make it suitable for controlled environments like those found in space habitats^[12]. - Low Maintenance: Sorrel requires minimal care and can thrive in well-drained soil with full sun, which could be replicated in space using hydroponics or aeroponics^[13].

History of Cultivation in Space (if there is any)[edit]

There is no specific information available on the cultivation of Rumex acetosa in space. However, plants like lettuce and radishes have been grown in space as part of experiments to develop sustainable food systems for future missions. Given sorrel’s hardiness and nutritional benefits, it could be considered for future space agriculture projects aimed at providing fresh produce to astronauts.

References: - ^[14] Wikipedia: Sorrel - ^[15] Flora of North America: Rumex acetosa - ^[16] Philly Orchards: Sorrel Info Sheet - ^[17] USDA Plants Database: Rumex acetosa L. - ^[18] Missouri Botanical Garden: Rumex acetosa - [Note: Specific references to space cultivation of sorrel are not available, but general principles of space agriculture apply.]

References[edit]

[1] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorrel

[2] ttp://floranorthamerica.org/Rumex_acetosa

[3] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorrel

[4] ttp://missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285455

[5] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorrel

[6] ttps://phillyorchards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Sorrel-Info-Sheet.pdf

[7] ttp://missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285455

[8] ttp://floranorthamerica.org/Rumex_acetosa

[9] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorrel

[10] ttps://phillyorchards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Sorrel-Info-Sheet.pdf

[11] ttps://phillyorchards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Sorrel-Info-Sheet.pdf

[12] ttp://floranorthamerica.org/Rumex_acetosa

[13] ttp://missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285455

[14] ttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorrel

[15] ttp://floranorthamerica.org/Rumex_acetosa

[16] ttps://phillyorchards.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Sorrel-Info-Sheet.pdf

[17] ttps://plants.usda.gov/plant-profile/RUAC2

[18] ttp://missouribotanicalgarden.org/plantfinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=285455

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