Rheum palmatum Turkey rhubarb (Polygonaceae)

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Rheum palmatum
Turkey rhubarb
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The Rheum palmatum plant species is found in E. Asia - N.W. China in Yunnan, W. Sichuan, E. Xizang and Gansu. It is a member of the Polygonaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Turkey rhubarb.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Rheum palmatum
Common Name:  Turkey rhubarb
Family:  Polygonaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The leaves are poisonous[21]. This report probably refers to high levels of oxalic acid found in the leaves. Perfectly safe in moderate quantities, oxalic acid can lock up certain minerals (especially calcium) in the body, leading to nutritional deficiency. Cooking the plant will reduce its content of oxalic acid. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[238].

Mature Height:  3   Mature Width:  2

Habitat:  Scrub and rocky places and by streams, 2500 - 4000 metres.

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a deep, fertile, moderately heavy, humus rich, moisture retentive, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade[200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[233]. Hardy to at least -15°c[200]. A very ornamental plant[1], there is at least one named variety[183]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200]. The sub-species R. palmatum tanguticum is cultivated as a medicinal plant in China[61, 244], it was at one time a popular purgative in Europe[50]. Plants in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. Turkish rhubarb is a good companion plant for columbine (Aquilegia spp)[20].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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