| Rheum palmatum |
Turkey rhubarb
Chinese rhubarb
East Indian Rhubarb |
The leaves of the Turkey Rhubarb are palmate and somewhat rough. The root is thick, of an oval shape, sending off long, tapering branches; externally it is brown, internally a deep yellow
colour. The stem is erect, round, hollow, jointed, branched towards the top, from 6 to 10
feet (2-3 m) high. The first flower buds appear in spring are yellow, not red. Perennial, typical height 2 m (6.5 ft), Leaf stem eaten raw or cooked. Superior in flavour to the common rhubarb and quite tender, has a
long and proven history of herbal/medicinal usage Bold, dramatic dark purple foliage
with 6 foot (2 m) long stems that bear rose-red pyramids of flowers in late spring. Several varieties of
this are known: 'Atrosanguineum', 'Bowles Crimson', rubrum, tanguticum,
and tanguticum 'red selection'. |
