Gunnera

Gunnera is a genus of flowering plants in the family Gunneraceae. The genus comprises a diverse group of species, best known for producing some of the largest leaves seen in the plant world. Common names include giant rhubarb and umbrella plant, though Gunnera is not closely related to true rhubarb (Rheum).

Description

Gunnera species are herbaceous perennials that grow from a thick, often rhizomatous base. They bear enormous leaves, which can be circular or kidney-shaped and may reach several meters in diameter in the largest species. The leaves have a strong, prominent venation pattern and a long petiole that attaches near the center or underside of the leaf. Plants thrive in moist, rich soils and prefer sites such as stream banks, wetlands, and forest margins.

Taxonomy and species

The genus includes numerous species, with Gunnera manicata and Gunnera tinctoria among the best known in horticulture. Other species occur in tropical and subtropical regions of South America, Africa, and parts of Asia. The plants are valued primarily for their dramatic foliage rather than floral display.

Habitat and cultivation

Gunnera species are typically found in wet environments and are often cultivated as ornamental plants in suitable climates. They generally require consistent moisture and can tolerate partial shade to full sun in warmer areas. In temperate regions, they are often grown as tender perennials or in containers that can be moved indoors during frost. In some regions, cultivated forms may escape gardens and become invasive, potentially displacing native vegetation.

See also

Gunneraceae, giant rhubarb, ornamental shrubs.