 Shore dock, Rumex rupestris, grows on rocky, sandy and raised beaches, shore platforms and the lower slopes of cliffs, and rarely in dune slacks. Plants can be found growing in isolation on the strand-line and at the base of flushed cliffs. However, it occurs only where a constant source of freshwater, running or static, is available. It is most commonly found growing by the side of streams entering beaches, on oozing soft-rock cliffs, and in rock clefts where flushing occurs.
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 Shore dock is one of Europe’s most threatened endemic vascular plants. The UK is the world stronghold for this species. It is currently known from about 40 locations in south-west Britain, of which very few (three known) are in Wales. It is locally extinct in former parts of its range. Colonies supporting 50-100 individuals are considered large, most (especially those on rocky shores) generally hold fewer than ten individuals. The total UK population is estimated to comprise <650 plants . Shore dock is known to occur in two locations within the SAC. |
