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Rheum palmatum
  • Turkey Rhubarb

a perennial member of the Rheum genus in the family Polygonaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Soil surface
    Soil surface
    There are no details available for this niche.
Functions
  • Ground cover
    Ground cover
    There are no details available for this function.
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • light shade
    Light shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • acid,neutral,alkaline
    Acid to Alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Loamy to Heavy clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 7
    Zone 7
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Rheum palmatum has 0 edible uses listed
Rheum palmatum has 0 material uses listed
Rheum palmatum has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

The leaves are poisonous[1]. 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[2].

Edible uses

Notes

Leaf stem - raw or cooked[3][4][5][6]. The stem is superior in flavour to the common rhubarb and quite tender[3]. An acid flavour, it is sometimes used as a cooked fruit substitute[K].

Stem

Unknown use

Material uses

An insect spray is made from the leaves[7]. This spray is also said to help prevent clubroot of brassicas[7]. The cultivar 'Atrosanguineum' can be used as a ground cover plant in a sunny position[8]. Other forms can also be used, they are best planted about 1.8 metres apart each way[9].

Unknown part

Fungicide
Insecticide

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

Chinese rhubarb, called Da Huang in China, has a long and proven history of herbal usage, its main effect being a positive and balancing effect upon the whole digestive system. It is one of the most widely used herbs in Chinese medicine[2]. It has a safe and gentle action, safe even for children to use[10]. The plant is also part of a North American formula called essiac which is a popular treatment for cancer. Its effectiveness has never been reliably proven or disproven since controlled studies have not been carried out. The other herbs included in the formula are Arctium lappa, Ulmus rubra and Rumex acetosella[10].

The root is anticholesterolemic, antiseptic, antispasmodic, antitumor, aperient, astringent, cholagogue, demulcent, diuretic, laxative, purgative, stomachic and tonic[11][4][12][1][13][14][15][2]. The roots contain anthraquinones, which have a purgative effect, and also tannins and bitters, which have an opposite astringent effect[16]. When taken in small doses, it acts as an astringent tonic to the digestive system, whilst larger doses act as a mild laxative[17][16]. The root is taken internally in the treatment of chronic constipation, diarrhoea, liver and gall bladder complaints, haemorrhoids, menstrual problems and skin eruptions due to an accumulation of toxins[2]. This remedy is not prescribed for pregnant or lactating women, nor for patients with intestinal obstruction[2]. Externally, the root is used in the treatment of burns[2]. The roots are harvested in October from plants that are at least six years old, they are then dried for later use[11].

A homeopathic remedy is prepared from the dried root[17]. This is used especially in the treatment of diarrhoea in teething children[17].

Unknown part

Anticholesterolemic
Antiseptic
Antispasmodic
Antitumor
Aperient
Astringent
Cholagogue
Demulcent
Diuretic
Homeopathy
Laxative
Purgative
Stomachic
Tonic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Soil surface

Ecological Functions

Ground cover

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - best sown in autumn in a shaded cold frame[18]. 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[19][20]. 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.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Rheum palmatum. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

Prefers a deep, fertile, moderately heavy, humus rich, moisture retentive, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade[18]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Plants can be grown in quite coarse grass, which can be cut annually in the autumn[21].

Hardy to at least -15°c[18]. A very ornamental plant[19], there is at least one named variety[6]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[18]. The sub-species R. palmatum tanguticum is cultivated as a medicinal plant in China[22][16], it was at one time a popular purgative in Europe[23]. Plants in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[21].

Turkish rhubarb is a good companion plant for columbine (Aquilegia spp)[7].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Rheum palmatum. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Rheum palmatum.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Rheum palmatum
Genus
Rheum
Family
Polygonaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[3][4][5][6]
Medicinal uses
[2][10][11][4][12][1][13][14][15][16][17]
Material uses & Functions
[7][8][9]
Botanic
[24][18][25]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Ground cover
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
7
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
light shade
Soil PH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Soil Texture
loamy, clay, heavy clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    Soil surface
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    3 x 2 meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    Wind
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

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    "image:Rheum palmatum Woodville.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Rheum palmatum Woodville.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Rheum palmatum Woodville.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Rheum palmatum Woodville.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Rheum palmatum Woodville.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Rheum palmatum Woodville.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Rheum palmatum Woodville.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Rheum palmatum Woodville.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Rheum palmatum Woodville.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Rheum palmatum Woodville.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Rheum palmatum Woodville.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Rheum palmatum Woodville.jpg|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.2 Lust. J. The Herb Book. Bantam books ISBN 0-553-23827-2 (1983-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.22.32.42.52.6 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.13.2 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.24.3 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
    5. ? 5.05.1 Tanaka. T. Tanaka's Cyclopaedia of Edible Plants of the World. Keigaku Publishing (1976-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.16.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.17.27.3 Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (1978-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.1 Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. ISBN 0-86318-386-7 (1990-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.1 Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons ISBN 0-460-12609-1 (1990-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.2 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.111.2 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.1 Launert. E. Edible and Medicinal Plants. Hamlyn ISBN 0-600-37216-2 (1981-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.1 Zhang Jingwei. Alpine Plants of China. Gordon & Breach. New York. ISBN 0-677-60190-5 (1982-00-00)
    14. ? 14.014.1 Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press (1952-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.1 Yeung. Him-Che. Handbook of Chinese Herbs and Formulas. Institute of Chinese Medicine, Los Angeles (1985-00-00)
    16. ? 16.016.116.216.3 Phillips. R. & Foy. N. Herbs Pan Books Ltd. London. ISBN 0-330-30725-8 (1990-00-00)
    17. ? 17.017.117.217.3 Castro. M. The Complete Homeopathy Handbook. Macmillan. London. ISBN 0-333-55581-3 (1990-00-00)
    18. ? 18.018.118.218.318.4 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    19. ? 19.019.1 F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)
    20. ? Sanders. T. W. Popular Hardy Perennials. Collingridge (1926-00-00)
    21. ? 21.021.1 Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. ISBN 0 460 86048 8 (1990-00-00)
    22. ? Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    23. ? ? Flora Europaea Cambridge University Press (1964-00-00)
    24. ? Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named PFAFimport-74
    25. ? [Flora of China] (1994-00-00)

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    Retrieved from "http://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Rheum_palmatum&oldid=80085"
    Facts about "Rheum palmatum"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familyPolygonaceae +
    Belongs to genusRheum +
    Functions asGround cover +
    Has common nameTurkey Rhubarb +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partStem +
    Has edible useUnknown use +
    Has fertility typeWind +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone7 +
    Has imageRheum palmatum Woodville.jpg +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useFungicide + and Insecticide +
    Has mature height3 +
    Has mature width2 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAnticholesterolemic +, Antiseptic +, Antispasmodic +, Antitumor +, Aperient +, Astringent +, Cholagogue +, Demulcent +, Diuretic +, Homeopathy +, Laxative +, Purgative +, Stomachic + and Tonic +
    Has primary imageRheum palmatum Woodville.jpg +
    Has search namerheum palmatum + and x +
    Has shade toleranceLight shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceAcid +, Neutral + and Alkaline +
    Has soil teclayture preferenceClay +
    Has soil teheavy clayture preferenceHeavy clay +
    Has soil teloamyture preferenceLoamy +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomy nameRheum palmatum +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Inhabits ecosystem nicheSoil surface +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +