Gunnera tinctoria - Chilean Rhubarb

Interesting species for small gardens. More bushy and compact than G. manicata, its leaves are also smaller and more deeply cut and less rounded. The petioles, redder, bear hard spines instead of soft ones. This species is often mistakenly sold under the name of G. manicata and many are surprised to have only a modest-sized plant!

Attention: the species has been reported as invasive. It has become naturalised on the west coast of Ireland, the south of England, the west coast of Scotland, and in the Azores. Gunnera tinctoria can spread from rootstocks found in garden waste. Birds also contribute to its dispersal by carrying its seeds.