Rheum x cultorum Rhubarb (Polygonaceae)

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Rheum x cultorum
Rhubarb
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The Rheum x cultorum plant species is found in E. Asia - Siberia. It is a member of the Polygonaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Rhubarb. Some home gardeners know the variety as R. undulatum. L.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Rheum x cultorum
Common Name:  Rhubarb
Family:  Polygonaceae
Author:  Thorsrud.&Reis.

Known Hazards:  The leaves contain high concentrations of oxalic acid[34, 76]. Oxalic acid can lock up certain minerals (especially calcium) in the body, leading to nutritional deficiency. Cooking the plant will reduce the concentration of oxalic acid. Another report says that the leaves have the same concentration of oxalic acid in the stems as they do in the leaves and it is not the oxalic acid that makes them poisonous. It says that any toxic properties of the leaves is more likely to be due to the presence of glucosides[142]. 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:  1.5   Mature Width:

Habitat:  Steppe, sparse woods and sandy soils[74].

Cultivation Notes: Prefers a deep, fertile, moderately heavy, humus rich, moisture retentive, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade[200], but succeeds in most soils provided the drainage is good[200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Tolerates acid conditions but prefers a pH in the range 6.5 to 7[200]. Hardy to at least -20°c[200]. Rhubarb is often cultivated for its edible leaf stems, there are many named varieties[74, 183]. Most cultivars produce edible stems from spring to early summer, though 'Glaskin's Perpetual' can be harvested throughout the summer. By digging up the roots in the autumn and exposing them to frost, earlier growth will be initiated. These roots can then be transferred to a cold frame or other protected area where they will produce their edible stems in late winter. It is also possible to produce earlier crops outdoors by covering the plants with a layer of straw and an upturned bucket. This species is probably of hybrid origin, R. rhaponticum x R. palmatum[200]. It hybridizes freely with other members of the genus[200]. Plants in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

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