Chiba University Matsudo/Kashiwa Campus Plant Database

Details of genus: Rheum [1961]

genus_ja:

genus_en: Rhubarb

# spp.:

pub_year:

accepted:

Family: Polygonaceae

family_ja: タデ

Infra familial classification:

distribution_en:

description_en: Genus of about 50 species of rhizomatous, often tough or woody perennials found in a range of habitats, from marshy meadows and streamsides to scrub and rocky slopes, in E. Europe and C. Asia to the Himalayas and China. Unlike R. x hybridum, which is grown for its edible leaf-stalks, the rhubarbs described below are cultivated for their imposing, large, basal leaves and tall flower panicles. A few species from mountainous regions in Asia are dwarf with small flower spikes. The rounded, entire to palmately lobed leaves often emerge from bright red buds; the leaves are sometimes crimson-purple when young, usually with coarse teeth and conspicuous veins and midribs. Large panicles of tiny, petalless, star-shaped flowers are borne on hollow, leafless, flowering stems in summer; they have large, colourful, showy bracts in some species. The flowers are followed by small, triangular, winged, usually brown fruits. Grow rhubarbs near water, or in a moist border or woodland garden. The leaves may cause severe discomfort if ingested.

hardiness_en: Fully hardy.

cultivation_en:

propagation_en: Sow seed in containers in a cold frame in autumn. Divide in early spring.

pests_en: Susceptible to damage by slugs, and prone to crown rot and viruses.

description_ja:

comment:

comment_ja: ルバーブ(rhubarb)

type_species:

Phylogenetic definition:

Update Information: Created: 2007-12-06 12:51; Updated: 2020-09-04 03:56

family: