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.

Propagation Notes: Seed - best sown in autumn in a shaded cold frame[200]. The seed can also be sown in spring in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter, planting them out in the spring. Division in early spring or autumn[1, 111]. Divide up the rootstock with a sharp spade or knife, making sure that there is at least one growth bud on each division. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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