Gunnera tinctoria

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Gunnera tinctoria

Kingdom:	Plantae
Division:	Magnoliophyta
Class:	Magnoliopsida
Order:	Gunnerales
Family:	Gunneraceae
Genus:	Gunnera
Species:	G. tinctoria (Molina.) Mirbel.

Binomial name

Gunnera tinctoria

Gunnera tinctoria, the Chilean rhubarb, is a plant species native to southern Chile and neighbour zones in Argentina. It is a large-leaved perennial plant that grows up to two metres tall. It is introduced in large parts of the world as an ornamental and edible plant. In some countries (for instance New Zealand) it has spread from gardens and is becoming a weed problem.

It is known under the synonyms:

Gunnera chilensis Lam.
Gunnera scabra Ruiz & Pav.)

1 Description
2 Invasive species
3 Similar species
4 References
5 Literature
6 External links

[edit] 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.

[edit] 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^[1]. In New Zealand Gunnera tinctoria, according to the National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA) , is “banned”. That means: under section 52 and 53 of the Biosecurity Act, it is an offence to knowingly propagate, distribute, spread, sell, offer for sale or display it^[2].
Its large leaves create dense shade, preventing other species from germinating or growing.

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

[edit] 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

[edit] References

^ see: Giant problems for Taranaki; especially the pictures of Gunnera tinctoria on seacliffs (p. 17)
^ Department of Conservation 2005, p. 3

[edit] Literature

Pink, A. (2004). Gardening for the Million. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
Department of Conservation (NZ) - Plant me instead. Wellington (New Zealand) 2005. ISBN 047814007X
Department of Conservation - leaflet: “Chilean Rhubarb; shading out our natives”, Wanganui. March 2006.