Chromosome counts of Rumex material from South Africa indicate that although the diploid R. angiocarpus (2n = 14) may occur in that country, at least one population of the tetraploid R. tenuifolius (2n = 28) has been recorded. All tetraploid plants produced angiocarpous fruits. Without additional chromosome counts the occurrence of the diploid R. angiocarpus can not be confirmed.