Gunnera tinctoria

Gunnera tinctoria
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Eudicots
(unranked): Core eudicots
Order: Gunnerales
Family: Gunneraceae
Genus: Gunnera
Species: G. tinctoria
(Molina) Mirbel.
Binomial name
Gunnera tinctoria

Gunnera tinctoria, known as giant-rhubarb[1] or Chilean rhubarb, is a plant species native to southern Chile and neighbouring zones in Argentina. It is unrelated to rhubarb, as the two plants belong into different orders, but looks similar from a distance and has similar culinary uses. It is a large-leaved perennial plant that grows to more than two metres tall. It has been introduced to many parts of the world as an ornamental and edible plant. In some countries (for instance New Zealand and Ireland) it has spread from gardens and is becoming a weed problem. It is known under the synonyms:

Botanic garden Liberec

Description

Gunnera tinctoria is a giant, clump-forming herbaceous perennial. The leaves can grow up to 2.5m across. It has erect spikes of cone-shaped inflorescences (to 1m) from spring to early summer, with small flowers. The fruit is orange. The number of seeds is estimated from 80,000 per seedhead to 250,000 per plant.

Gunnera tinctoria flowering on the coast of Chiloé Island, Chile

Invasive species

In parts of New Zealand the Chilean rhubarb has become a recognised pest plant. For instance in Taranaki, on the west coast of the North Island it was spread to riverbeds, coastal cliffs and forest margins.[2] G. tinctoria is on the National Pest Plant Accord. Under Section 52 and 53 of the Biosecurity Act, it is an offence to knowingly propagate, distribute, spread, sell, offer for sale.[3]

In the west of Ireland, G. tinctoria is a major invasive species, in particular on Achill Island and on Corraun Peninsula, County Mayo. Its large leaves create dense shade, preventing other species from germinating or growing.

Chilean rhubarb on sale at a street in Puerto Varas.

The Chilean rhubarb can be controlled by removing the entire plant. Chemical control is advised.

Gunnera tinctoria - MHNT

Similar species

A similar species is Gunnera manicata (the giant rhubarb). This species may also be invasive.

Nalcas at Cuesta Queulat in Queulat National Park, Chile

References

  1. ↑ "BSBI List 2007" (xls). Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
  2. ↑ Giant problems for Taranaki; especially the pictures of Gunnera tinctoria on seacliffs (p. 17)
  3. ↑ Department of Conservation 2005, p. 3

Literature

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