Small rhubarb, Short rhubarb
Rheum nanum
Family: Polygonaceae
What it is like
A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 15-25 cm high. It has a stout, straight taproot. The leaves near the base are almost round. They are 8-10 cm across. They have veins spread like fingers on a hand. The flowers are small and in groups at the top. The seeds are dry and 10-12 mm long. They have wings.
Where it is found
It is a temperate plant. It grows in north western China. It grows on gravel in the Gobi desert. It can grow in arid places. It grows between 700-2,000 m above sea level.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Central Asia, China, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Russia, Siberia, Tibet
How it is used for food
Starch is obtained from the roots and used as a food. The root is cooked and eaten.
Edible parts
Roots - starch, leaves
How it is grown
Its other names
Local names
Ai da huang, Huanggouluanzi