Gunnera tinctoria

Family
Gunneraceae
Life form

G

geophyte
Other names
giant rhubarb
This plant is listed in EU regulation No 1143/2014
Classified as invasive in
Ireland
Origin
South America

Gunnera tinctoria is a gynomonoecious, clonal, perennial herb with large leafs native to Chile growing (up to 2 m tall). It became a very popular ornamental species in gardens and parks. The species produces large numbers of seeds and also spreads clonally by horizontal rhizomes. Typical habitats in Ireland include stream and river banks, coastal cliffs as well as disturbed areas, such as roadsides, quarries and ditches. Gunnera tinctoria is a strong competitor in its invasive range in Ireland.

Sources

Sheehy Skeffington M., Hall K. (2011): The ecology, distribution and invasiveness of Gunnera L. species in Connemara, western Ireland. Biology and Environment, Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy 111B, 157–176.

Gioria M., Osborne B.A. (2013): Biological Flora of the British Isles: Gunnera tinctoria. Journal of Ecology 101, 243–264