Gunnera manicata

Gunnera manicata - Giant Rhubarb - Operation Bumblebee

Gunnera (monogeneric family Gunneraceae), the only angiosperm known to form symbioses with cyanobacteria. Habit, varying according to species, may be succulent creeping ground cover (e.g., G. monoica) or polystelous giant herb (e.g., G. manicata or "poor man's umbrella"). High water demands restrict Gunnera to boggy, acidic habitats which are often low in combined nitrogen.

The Gunnera-Nostoc Nitrogen-fixing symbiotic consortium
Chapman, M.J., Dornhaus, A., Margulis, L.
Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, USA


Sheffield Park Garden, East Sussex (National Trust)

 

Gunnera manicata
Gunneraceae
Giant Rhubarb
Gunnera
Plant Type: Perennial
Hardiness Range: 8A - 10A
Mature Height: 5' to 8' / 1.60m to 2.40m
Environment: prefers partial shade or partial sun to full sun; soil should be moist to wet
Bloom Colors: Red

 

Gunnera manicata (Haloragideaceae) or Giant Rhubarb
Not all plants need to look delicate and soft. Perhaps the largest and coarsest of them all is the Gunnera. This garden giant is easily recognised by the large coarsely puckered leaves and jagged outline, which resemble outsized rhubarb plants.
Don't be put off by its size because the big leaves will contrast beautifully with all the other pond plants. Gunnera is a slow growing plant forming massive clump forms which reach up to 6 ft height and 10 ft across.
Planted - Carlton's Gardening Website

 

STOP GARDEN THIEVES: Operation Bumblebee
Operation Bumblebee is the Metropolitan Police Service's initiative against burglars. Its aim is to arrest burglars and their accomplices and to deter would-be burglars.

Natural Protection
One of the best ways to keep thieves out is to use nature's own defence mechanisms to stop intruders. A barrier of prickly hedge may be all the protection you need around your property. Here are some ideas:

GIANT RHUBARB: GUNNERA manicata
Giant rhubarb-like leaves on erect stems, abrasive foliage.


WARNING
We have tried to identify the plants mentioned by their correct botanical name, but we cannot guarantee that the plant you buy will not grow into a small, fragrant flowering shrub with no more thorns than a daisy.

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Updated: 27 June, 2002
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