Rheum spiciforme - Royle.

Common Name

Family

Polygonaceae

USDA hardiness

Coming soon

Known Hazards

Although no specific mention has been seen for this species, the leaves of some if not all members of this genus contain significant quantities of oxalic acid and should not be eaten in any quantity. Oxalic acid can lock up certain minerals in the body, especially calcium, leading to nutritional deficiency. The content of oxalic acid will be reduced if the plant is cooked. People with a tendency to rheumatism, arthritis, gout, kidney stones or hyperacidity should take especial caution if including this plant in their diet since it can aggravate their condition[238].

Habitats

Shrubberies and open slopes in drier areas only, 3600 - 4800 metres.

Range

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Edibility Rating

(2 of 5)

Other Uses

(0 of 5)

Weed Potential

Medicinal Rating

(1 of 5)

Care (info)

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Summary

Physical Characteristics

Rheum spiciforme is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is in flower in June, and the seeds ripen in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind.
Suitable for: medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Stem
Edible Uses:

Leaf stem - raw or cooked[105, 177].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Purgative

The root is used as a purgative[240].

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

None known

Special Uses

Food Forest

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

Prefers a deep, fertile, moderately heavy, humus rich, moisture retentive, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade[200]. Grows well in heavy clay soils. Hardy to about -20°c[187]. Plants in this genus seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[233]. Hybridizes freely with other members of this genus[200].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

Plant Propagation

Seed - best sown in autumn in a shaded cold frame[200]. The seed can also be sown in spring in a cold frame. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse or cold frame for their first winter, planting them out in the spring. Division in early spring or autumn[1, 111]. Divide up the rootstock with a sharp spade or knife, making sure that there is at least one growth bud on each division. Larger divisions can be planted out direct into their permanent positions. We have found that it is better to pot up the smaller divisions and grow them on in light shade in a cold frame until they are well established before planting them out in late spring or early summer.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

TEMPERATE ASIA: Afghanistan, Kazakhstan (southeast), Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, China (Gansu Sheng, Qinghai Sheng, Sichuan Sheng (northwest), Xinjiang Uygur Zizhiqu, Xizang Zizhiqu (west)) TROPICAL ASIA: Bhutan, India (Sikkim, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh (north)), Nepal, Pakistan (north)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Jeffersonia diphylla	Twinleaf, Rheumatism Root	Perennial	0.2	5-8	S	LM	FS	M	0	2
Rheum × hybridum	Garden Rhubarb	Perennial	1.5	3-8	M	LMH	SN	M	4	3	1
Rheum australe	Himalayan Rhubarb	Perennial	3.0	5-9		MH	SN	M	3	3	2
Rheum compactum		Perennial	0.5	5-9		MH	SN	M	2	0
Rheum coreanum		Perennial	0.0	-		MH	SN	M	0	1
Rheum nobile	Sikkim Rhubarb	Perennial	1.5	6-9		MH	SN	M	3	2	1
Rheum officinale	Chinese Rhubarb	Perennial	2.0	6-9		MH	SN	M	1	3	3
Rheum palmatum	Turkey Rhubarb, Chinese Rhubarb - Da Huang, Chinese rhubarb	Perennial	3.0	6-9		MH	SN	M	3	5	2
Rheum palmatum tanguticum	Da Huang	Perennial	2.0	5-9		MH	SN	M	3	5	0
Rheum rhaponticum	Rhubarb, Garden rhubarb	Perennial	1.2	3-7		MH	SN	M	2	3	3
Rheum ribes		Perennial	1.5	5-9		MH	SN	DM	2	0
Rheum tataricum	Tartarian Rhubarb	Perennial	0.5	-		MH	SN	DM	2	0
Rheum x cultorum	Rhubarb	Perennial	1.5	3-7		MH	SN	M	4	3	2

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

Royle.

Botanical References

51266

Links / References

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