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Rheum palmatum

Rheum palmatum

9.8
A rhubarb plant from Asia that is used in traditional medicine to help people with constipation
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : rhubarb chino
  • Rheum palmatum is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine for digestive issues.

Examples

  • Researchers are studying extracts from Rheum palmatum for their potential medicinal benefits.

  • The large, hand-shaped leaves of Rheum palmatum make it distinct from the common garden rhubarb.

  • I found some Rheum palmatum at the herbal shop.

  • Have you ever tried Rheum palmatum for digestion?

  • Rheum palmatum is often used in herbal medicine as a natural laxative for constipation.

  • In traditional herbal practices, Rheum palmatum is valued for its ability to promote digestive health.

  • Many people turn to Rheum palmatum when seeking relief from digestive discomfort and irregularity.

Synonyms

Chinese rhubarb
vsRheum palmatum
8.9

A large plant from China with a root people use as a strong laxative

refers to the species used for laxative purposes without implying great strength

Surface Forms

Morphology

Rheum + palmatum

The Latin binomial combines the genus name Rheum (a plant/rhubarb) with palmatum (deriving from 'palmate', i.e. hand-shaped leaves), so a learner who knows both parts could infer it is a species of Rheum with palmate leaves. However, specific information in the definition — that it is native to Asia and traditionally used as a laxative — cannot be derived from the constituents, so the overall meaning is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Rheum palmatum is a Latin plant name that gives a simple picture: Rheum refers to rhubarb and palmatum means 'palm' or 'hand' because the leaves are large and shaped like a hand. That hand-shaped leaf image helps you remember this Asian rhubarb known for its use in traditional medicine.