Rheum glabricaule

Names and Synonyms

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Sources: Wikidata

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is classified within the order Caryophyllales and the family Polygonaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Rheum.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant, known as Rheum glabricaulon, possesses a very specific and limited geographical range. Its presence is primarily documented within the borders of China. More specifically, its habitat is concentrated in the North-Central region of the country. This localized distribution suggests that the species relies on particular environmental conditions found in these provinces. Consequently, understanding this specific area is essential for the conservation of the species.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Morphology

The morphology of Rheum glabricaule is characterized by its robust, perennial growth habit, typically reaching a plant height with a mean value of 1 m. The plant features thick, fleshy rhizomes that serve as a primary storage organ, supporting an upright structure. The leaves are large, basal, and broadly ovate to cordate in shape, often possessing a wrinkled or rugose surface texture with prominent venation. The petioles are long and sturdy, elevating the leaf blades to capture sunlight efficiently. The inflorescence is typically a compact, branched panicle that emerges from the center of the leaf rosette, bearing small, inconspicuous flowers. The overall architecture reflects a sturdy, herbaceous form adapted to its specific environmental niche.

Plant height mean:

1 m

Reproduction

The reproduction of Rheum glabricaule is characterized by the development of small, distinct fruits that vary in size within a specific morphological range. The fruit length displays noticeable variability, with a minimum measurement of 0.5 cm and a maximum length reaching up to 0.8 cm. On average, the fruit length is recorded at 0.65 cm, reflecting a consistent reproductive pattern typical of the species.

Fruit length max:

0.8 cm

Fruit length mean:

0.65 cm

Fruit length min:

0.5 cm

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Rheum glabricaule has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include root.

Root

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Chemicals

Rheum glabricaule has 5 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 2,5-dimethyl-7-methoxychromone, Chrysophanol-8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, Citreorosein, Daucosterol, palmitic acid.

2,5-dimethyl-7-methoxychromone

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Chrysophanol-8-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Citreorosein

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Daucosterol

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

palmitic acid

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials

Preparations

Rheum glabricaule has 1 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include root.

Root

1. Zhong yao cai = Zhongyaocai = Journal of Chinese medicinal materials