Rheum rhaponticum aka Rhubarb

Rheum rhaponticum, also known as false rhubarb or rhapontic rhubarb, is a plant species found in the wild and is the only Rheum species native to Europe. However, it is now primarily restricted to the Rila mountain range in south-western Bulgaria. This species was introduced to other European countries and is considered to be one of the ancestors of modern culinary rhubarb. As a large herbaceous perennial, Rheum rhaponticum forms a short crown that survives through the winter. In the spring, it produces dark green leaves that are triangular to heart-shaped and can reach a length of 50cm. These leaves grow on thick, slightly ridged stems that have a reddish-green color. During mid-summer, dense panicles of small greenish-yellow flowers appear on upright stems above the foliage. These flowers are followed by reddish-green seeds. It is believed that R. rhaponticum may have played a role in the parentage of the hybrid varieties of rhubarb commonly used in culinary applications. Overall, R. rhaponticum is a robust, clump-forming, deciduous perennial with large, lobed leaves that are dark green in color. In late spring and early summer, it produces spike-like panicles of tiny, star-shaped, greenish-white flowers.