• Korean Journal of Oriental Medicine
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.39-48
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• 2006

The Following is a list of specific external and internal morphology of Rheum palmatum L. and R. undulatum L. in Rhei Rhizoma. 1. For the original plants of Rhei Rhizoma in the literatures. 18 plants are reported. 2. The external characteristics of original plant : R. palmatum has a large palmate leaf, its petiole of radical leaf has a simple bristle and its flower is purple and pink color. Whereas R. undulatum has a medium ovate leaf, its petiole of radical leaf is purphish, its stem leaf surrounds a half of stem and its flower is yellowish white color. 3. The character of herbal states : a. diameter and size-- R. palmaum is bigger and heavier than R. undulatum. b. in section--R. palmatum is dark brown color, R. undulatum is bright brown color Fibrovascular bundle is arranged in circle shape in R. patmatum. R. undulatum shows a distingushed wheel shape. 4. The internal characteristics : R. palmatum has a large intercellular space of cork layer, its cambium is clear and a xylem medullary ray is comparatively tight, Whereas R. undulatum has a tight intercettular space of cork layer., its cambium is a few clear and xylem medullary ray is verty tight. As these results, additional study is required to distinguish herbs and their effect among many kinds of same genus-degree of relatedness.