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].

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. This species is a hybrid and will not necessarily breed true to type from seed. However, this does give the oportunity to look for superior plants from amongst the seedlings. 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

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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