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Species
Gunnera tinctoria (Molina) Mirbel
IUCN
NCBI
EOL Text
United States
Origin: Exotic
Regularity: Regularly occurring
Currently: Unknown/Undetermined
Confidence: Confident
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | NatureServe |
Source | http://explorer.natureserve.org/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Gunnera+tinctoria |
Global Range: Native to Chile. Introduced to CA.
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | NatureServe |
Source | http://explorer.natureserve.org/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Gunnera+tinctoria |
IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, IX, X, XI, XII
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | Pablo Gutierrez, IABIN |
Source | No source database. |
Comments: Disturbed, shaded, damp areas; <100 m.
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | NatureServe |
Source | http://explorer.natureserve.org/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Gunnera+tinctoria |
Foodplant / saprobe
effuse colony of Gliomastix dematiaceous anamorph of Gliomastix luzulae is saprobic on dead stem of Gunnera tinctoria
Other: major host/prey
Foodplant / saprobe
tufted colony of Septofusidium anamorph of Septofusidium herbarum is saprobic on dead petiole of Gunnera tinctoria
Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLDS) Stats
Public Records: 3
Specimens with Barcodes: 3
Species With Barcodes: 1
United States
Rounded National Status Rank: NNA - Not Applicable
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | Annable, C., NatureServe |
Source | http://explorer.natureserve.org/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Gunnera+tinctoria |
Rounded Global Status Rank: GNR - Not Yet Ranked
Reasons: Native to Chile and introduced to CA.
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | Annable, C., NatureServe |
Source | http://explorer.natureserve.org/servlet/NatureServe?searchName=Gunnera+tinctoria |
Gunnera tinctoria, known as giant-rhubarb[1] or Chilean rhubarb, is a plant species native to southern Chile and neighbouring zones in Argentina. It is essentially unrelated to rhubarb, as the two plants belong into different orders, but looks similar from a distance and has similar culinary uses. It is a large-leaved perennial plant that grows up to two metres tall. It has been introduced to many parts of the world as an ornamental and edible[citation needed] plant. In some countries (for instance New Zealand and Ireland) it has spread from gardens and is becoming a weed problem. It is known under the synonyms:
Contents
Description[edit]
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.
Invasive species[edit]
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.[2]G. tinctoria is on the National Pest Plant Accord. Under Section 52 and 53 of the Biosecurity Act, it is an offence to knowingly propagate, distribute, spread, sell, offer for sale.[3]
In the west of Ireland, G. tinctoria is a major invasive species, in particular on Achill Island and on Corraun Peninsula, County Mayo. 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.
Similar species[edit]
A similar species is Gunnera manicata (the giant rhubarb). This species may also be invasive.
References[edit]
- ^ "BSBI List 2007" (xls). Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland. Retrieved 2014-10-17.
- ^ Giant problems for Taranaki; especially the pictures of Gunnera tinctoria on seacliffs (p. 17)
- ^ Department of Conservation 2005, p. 3
Literature[edit]
- Pink, A. (2004). Gardening for the Million. Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.
- Department of Conservation (NZ) - Plant me instead. Wellington (New Zealand) 2005. ISBN 0-478-14007-X
- Department of Conservation - leaflet: "Chilean Rhubarb; shading out our natives", Wanganui. March 2006.
License | http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ |
Rights holder/Author | Wikipedia |
Source | http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Gunnera_tinctoria&oldid=634698559 |