Chinese Rhubarb, Kelembak
Rheum officinale

Family: Polygonaceae

What it is like

A herb that keeps growing from year to year. It grows 1-15 cm high. It has a thick rhizome or underground stem. The leaves near the base have long leaf stalks. They are 15-30 cm long and 1-2 cm thick and fleshy. The leaf blades are almost round and 30-60 cm long and wide. They can have lobes. The flowers are greenish-white. They are in groups at the top of the plant. The fruit are dry and one seeded and with wings.

There are about 50 Rheum species. This one is mainly used for medicine.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. It suits hardiness zones 7-10. It grows in Sichuan and Yunnan.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia, Britain, China (country/location of origin), Czech Republic, Europe, India, Indochina, Italy, Laos, Mediterranean, SE Asia, Slovenia, Thailand, Tibet (country/location of origin), Vietnam

How it is used for food

The dried rhizomes are used to make tonic wines and other alcoholic drinks. Caution: Alcohol is a cause of cancer. Extracts of the root are used to flavour bitter tonics, drinks, syrups, and baked goods. The stalks are eaten as a snack. Caution: The leaves contain oxalates and are poisonous.

Edible parts

Leaf stalk, root, seed

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Daihoang duocdung, Kitajska rabarbara, Koad num tao, Tibetan rhubarb

Synonyms

Rheum baillonii F. Heim; Rheum pichonii Pierre ex A. Chev.;