Sorrels (Rumex spp.) from Polygonaceae have been utilized as medicinal plants or vegetable crops and inhabit in some areas of America, Asia and Europe as native or introduced plants. The target of the current investigation was to evaluate the genetic variation of 54 accessions of various species, including R. alpinus, R. kerneri, R. obtusifolius, R. patientia, R. pseudonatronatus, R. pulcher, R. rugosus, R. scutatus and Rumex spp. The plant materials from German IPK’s gene bank (44 accessions) or various geographical areas of Iran (10 accessions), were evaluated in two separate trials, and 24 morphologic quantitative and qualitative characteristics were recorded. The coefficient of variation was very high for all measured traits across both trials whereas fresh and dry weight of leaves ranged from 20.3 to 210.1 g and from 2.7 to about 15.0 g, respectively. The factor analysis revealed four factors; leaf size, leaf number, leaf weight and the petiole length in the first trial while it identified leaf size, leaf weight blade width and the petiole length as important factors in the second trial, thus the importance of leaf size, leaf weight and the petiole length was confirmed at both trials. Also, the factor analysis of qualitative traits indicated five factors; anthocyanin blade and vein, leaf appearance, blade and the petiole properties, anthocyanin of the petiole and the midrib of the petiole. These consistent patterns affirm the reliability of trait-based factor analysis and underscore the potential of identified traits for use in genetic improvement and breeding programs. The study highlights the significant morphological diversity within sorrel germplasm, offering valuable insights for cultivar development and conservation strategies.
