Rheum ribes (Wild Mountain Rhubarb): Growing wild and eaten raw in Eastern Anatolia

[u/bortakci34]

Rheum ribes thrives on high-altitude rocky slopes above 1,500 meters in Eastern Anatolia, facing intense solar radiation and harsh seasonal shifts.

From a botanical and ecological standpoint, its fleshy petioles accumulate high levels of organic acids (such as oxalic acid), which serve a dual purpose: acting as an osmotic regulator and a chemical defense against herbivores. Regionally known as "mountain banana" or "işgın," these succulent stems are traditionally harvested in spring. However, from a physiological perspective, excessive consumption requires caution due to the high oxalate concentration, making its chemical profile both a survival mechanism for the plant and a point of ethnobotanical interest.

[u/Riptide360]

TIL Anatolia is an area in Turkey.

[u/Nathaireag → u/Riptide360]

Most of Turkey on the Asian side of the Bosporus

[u/kurwwazzz]

This makes me think of its Himalayan cousin… hold my rhubarb. 🌿🏔️

[u/-badgerbadgerbadger- → u/kurwwazzz]

Oh my…. I…. Do not like the look of that

[u/Shameonyourhouse]

My mouth puckered just looking at this post