Gunnera manicata
Giant Gunnera
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Giant Gunnera (Gunnera manicata) - Description
Gunnera manicata, or giant rhubarb, a native South America from Colombia to Brazil, is a species of flowering plant in the Gunneraceae family. It is a large, clump-forming herbaceous perennial growing to 2. 5 m (8 ft) tall by 4 m (13 ft) or more. The leaves of Gunnera grow to an impressive size. Leaves with diameters well in excess of 4 ft (122 cm) are commonplace, with a spread of 10 ft (3 m) by 10 ft (3 m) on a mature plant.
Giant Gunnera (Gunnera manicata) - Blooming
Summer-flowering. Blooms small greenish yellow flowers followed by spherical fruits.
Giant Gunnera (Gunnera manicata) - Growth
Gunneras are variable in size. Some are small and mat-forming while others are very large and clump-forming. The large species require shelter from the winds and do best with sun or partial shade. Small species prefer partial shade, but are best grown in full sun in areas with cool summers. Gunneras are generally unsuitable for regions with high humidity and heat. Gunnera works well at the edge or a pond or stream, bog garden for large species. Smaller Gunneras do fine in rock gardens or an alpine house.
Giant Gunnera (Gunnera manicata) - Planting
When ripe, sow seeds in cool containers but with protection from the frost. Germination is usually slow. Seeds are also known to lose their viability rather quickly. Can also take cuttings from leafy, basal buds of large species in spring. Conduct division of small species in spring as well. Division entails propagating a plant by splitting it into 2 or more parts. Each part has its own root system and more than one shoot or dormant bud.
Giant Gunnera (Gunnera manicata) - Pest
Prone to damage from snails and slugs. May be affected by spider mites and aphids.
Giant Gunnera (Gunnera manicata) - Interesting facts
There are 45 known species of Gunnera, native to moist areas in southern Africa, South America, and Australasia.Some species of Gunnera are named Dinosaur Food because of their large leaves which look like they could be prehistoric.
Giant Gunnera (Gunnera manicata) - Soil and irrigation
Does best in deep, always moist, humus-rich soil.
