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(Gunnera tinctoria)
Chilean Gunnera (Gunnera tinctoria)
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Pereira Jorge
CC BY-SA 4.0
Image By:
Pereira Jorge
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Copyright:
CC BY-SA 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Pereira Jorge | License Type: CC BY-SA 4.0 | License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ | Attribution: Pereira Jorge (cc-by-sa) | Rights Holder: Pereira Jorge | Publisher: PlantNet | Date Created: 2019-08-09T12:43:20Z | Title: Gunnera tinctoria (Molina) Mirb.: habit | Notes: |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Gunnera tinctoria, commonly known as Chilean Gunnera, is an evergreen perennial herb native to the understory of temperate rainforests and stream margins in Southern Chile. This plant is notable for its colossal size, with mature specimens reaching over two meters in height. The leaves are truly massive, often spanning up to 2.5 meters across, and are cordate (heart-shaped) and palmate with up to 9-lobed margins, creating a dramatic visual impact. From spring to early summer, Gunnera tinctoria produces erect spikes of cone-shaped inflorescences, which can reach up to 1 meter in length, with numerous small, inconspicuous flowers. The fruit is a distinctive orange color, and the plant is capable of producing an astonishing number of seeds, ranging from 80,000 per seedhead to 250,000 per plant.
Gunnera tinctoria is valued for its bold foliage and architectural presence in the garden, making it an excellent choice for large-scale plantings, waterside gardens, or as a focal point in a spacious landscape. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist soil, ideally near a pond or stream. While it can adapt to a range of soil drainage conditions, it prefers rich, organic soil. Due to its size and water needs, it is not suitable for small gardens. Gunnera tinctoria is potentially invasive outside its native range, and gardeners should consult local regulations before planting. It can spread aggressively in suitable climates, so care should be taken to control its growth and prevent escape into natural areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Gunnera tinctoria is valued for its bold foliage and architectural presence in the garden, making it an excellent choice for large-scale plantings, waterside gardens, or as a focal point in a spacious landscape. It thrives in full sun to part shade and requires consistently moist soil, ideally near a pond or stream. While it can adapt to a range of soil drainage conditions, it prefers rich, organic soil. Due to its size and water needs, it is not suitable for small gardens. Gunnera tinctoria is potentially invasive outside its native range, and gardeners should consult local regulations before planting. It can spread aggressively in suitable climates, so care should be taken to control its growth and prevent escape into natural areas.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Herb
- Height: 4-5 feet
- Width: 5-7 feet
- Growth Rate: Rapid
- Flower Color: Brown, Red
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Deciduous
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Medium, High
- Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast
Common Uses
Butterfly Garden, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Water Garden
Natural Habitat
Understory of temperate rainforests and stream margins
Other Names
Common Names: Giant-Rhubarb, Chilean-Rhubarb, Nalca, Rhubarbe Géante, Gewone Gunnera, Röd Jättegunnera, Riesenrhabarber, Chilean Rhubarb, Giant Rhubarb, Panque
Scientific Names: , Gunnera tinctoria, Gunnera chilensis, Gunnera scabra, Gunnera rheifolia, Panke tinctoria, Panke acaulis, Panke apodophyllofolium, Panke caulescens, Panke chilense
GBIF Accepted Name: Gunnera tinctoria (Molina) Mirb.