Rheum Officinale

Description

Rheum Officinale, commonly known as Chinese Rhubarb or Da Huang, is a perennial herbaceous plant that belongs to the family Polygonaceae. It is native to China and Tibet and has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2000 years. The plant has large leaves that grow up to 2 feet in length and produce small greenish-white flowers that bloom in late spring.

Taxonomic Information

Appearance

Rheum Officinale has large, leathery, basal leaves that grow up to 2 feet in length and are deeply lobed. The leaves are green with a reddish tinge and have prominent veins. The plant produces small greenish-white flowers that bloom in late spring and are arranged in large panicles that can reach up to 6 feet in height. The plant can grow up to 6 feet in height and spread up to 5 feet wide.

Care Guide

Rheum Officinale is a hardy plant that can tolerate a wide range of conditions. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:

• Water: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilization: Feed the plant with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and mid-summer.
• Soil: The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: The plant prefers full sun to partial shade.
• Hardiness Zones: Rheum Officinale is hardy in USDA zones 5-9.

Common Pests & Diseases

Rheum Officinale is generally a healthy plant that is not prone to many pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to the following:

• Leaf Spot: This fungal disease can cause small brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
• Slugs and snails: These pests can eat large holes in the leaves. Handpick them or use a slug bait.
• Root Rot: Overwatering can cause root rot. Make sure the soil is well-drained and do not water excessively.

Habitat

Rheum Officinale is native to China and Tibet and can be found growing in a variety of habitats, including meadows, slopes, and forests. It prefers well-drained soil and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade.

Question and Answer

Q: What is Chinese Rhubarb used for in traditional Chinese medicine?

A: Chinese Rhubarb is used to treat digestive problems, including constipation, diarrhea, and bloating.

Q: How long does it take for Chinese Rhubarb to grow?

A: Chinese Rhubarb can take up to 3 years to reach maturity and produce a harvestable root.

Q: Can Chinese Rhubarb be grown in containers?

A: Yes, Chinese Rhubarb can be grown in containers, but the container should be at least 24 inches deep to accommodate the long roots.

Q: Is Chinese Rhubarb toxic?

A: The leaves of Chinese Rhubarb are toxic and should not be ingested. Only the root is used for medicinal purposes.

Related Plants

• Rheum Palmatum
• Rheum Rhabarbarum
• Rheum Tanguticum
• Rheum Undulatum

References

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4974348/
• https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=263764
• https://plants.usda.gov/core/profile?symbol=RHOFF