Syrian rhubarb
Rheum ribes L.
Rheum ribes, known as Syrian rhubarb, is a wild edible species in the genus Rheum, part of the Polygonaceae family. It is found in temperate and subtropical regions of Western Asia, including Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon-Syria, Pakistan, Palestine, the Transcaucasus, and Turkey. This plant grows at elevations between 1000 and 4000 m on dunite rocks, among stones and slopes. It is partially commercialized as a vegetable, collected from the wild in early spring in regions such as Eastern and Southern Anatolia, Kurdistan, and parts of Northwestern Iran. The plant is also valued in herbal medicine.
Description
Rheum ribes is a species of rhubarb that is native to Western Asia and is known for its edible and medicinal uses. It is collected from wild patches and is used as a vegetable in local diets. The plant thrives in rocky and stony environments at high elevations. Its distribution spans several countries in the region, and it is recognized for its importance in traditional herbal medicine.
Other common names
Syrian rhubarb
Distribution
Afghanistan · Iran · Iraq · Lebanon-Syria · Pakistan · Palestine · Transcaucasus · Turkey