Rhubarb
Family Polygonaceae
Rheum rhaponticum, rhubarb (R. rhaponticum 1), is a perennial herb with a large rhizome and large radical leaves with red fleshy petioles (R. rhaponticum 2).
Distribution
Rhubarb is a native of Russia and was used medicinally in Central Asia as a laxative from time immemorial. The name is probably derived from ‘rha barbarum’ meaning the ‘rha’ (Greek name of the plant) of the barbarians. It reached Europe in the 16th century.
Use
The succulent petioles are used for pies and sauces, usually with a lot of sugar, because of the high content of oxalic acid. The blade of the leaf is not edible.