Pongaju
Rheum acuminatum
Family: Polygonaceae
What it is like
A herb. It grows to about 1 m high. The lower leaves are 15-30 cm long and wide. They are oval and taper to a short tip. The base is heart-shaped. They are hairy underneath. The upper leaves are smaller. The flowers are red. They occur in loose flower clusters in the axils of leaves or at the ends of branches. The fruit is dry and round and notched at the base and tip.
There are about 30 Rheum species. They occur in Central Asia.
Where it is found
A subtropical plant. In Nepal it grows between 3300-4200 m altitude. It grows in open rocky places.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Bhutan, China, Himalayas (country/location of origin), India, Indochina, Myanmar, Nepal, Northeastern India, SE Asia, Sikkim, Tibet
How it is used for food
The leaf stalks are pickled or used for chutney. They are also chewed raw after peeling. The leaves are used as a tea substitute.
Edible parts
Leaf stalks, leaves - tea
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed or root offshoots.
Its other names
Local names
Aakchho, Bokya, Chhurta, Chum tsa, Khokim, Khokkim, Kyojung, Padamchal, Qu qiu, Sinapam