Description
3 SEEDS Sikkim rhubarb is a giant herbaceous plant native to the Himalayas. It is an extraordinary species of rhubarb. At 1-2 m tall, Sikkim rhubarb towers above all the shrubs & low herbs in its habitat, & it is visible across valleys a mile away. It is often called a glasshouse plant because of its outer curtain of translucent bracts which pass visible light, creating a greenhouse effect, while blocking ultraviolet radiation. These are important defenses against the increased UV-B exposure & extreme cold in its high altitude range. An individual plant is a conical tower of delicate, straw-coloured, shining, translucent, regularly overlapping bracts. The higher ones have pink edges. Large, glossy, green radicle leaves, with red stalks & nerves, form a broad base to the plant. Turning up the bracts reveals membranous, fragile, pink stipules. Within these are short branched panicles of tiny green flowers. The root is often 3-7 feet long & as thick as an arm, & bright yellow inside. The hollow of the stem contains a good deal of limpid water. After flowering, the stem lengthens & the bracts separate one from another, turning a coarse red-brown. As the fruit ripens, the bracts fall away, leaving a ragged-looking stem covered with panicles of deep brown pendulous fruits. Sikkim Rhubarb is native to eastern Himalayas, from E Nepal to Sikkim & SE Tibet, at altitudes of 3600-4500 m. Prefers a deep, fertile, moderately heavy, humus rich, moisture retentive, well-drained soil in sun or semi-shade. Grows well in heavy clay soils. A very ornamental plant, it is hardy to about -15oc. Plants have proved very difficult to grow in cultivation in Britain. The bright creamy coloured bracts are what this 'Noble Rheum' is grown for, & they certainly don't dissapoint. The basal leaves are rich green & almost rounded with dep veining. Rheum Nobile ~ Sikkim Noble Rhubarb Fabulous Herbaceous Plant Rare 3 Seeds | Id853
