Practical
Plants

Gunnera magellanica

a perennial member of the Gunnera genus in the family Gunneraceae.

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Taxonomy and growth

Genus
Gunnera
Life cycle
perennial
Height
0.02 m
Spread
1 m
Fertility
self sterile
Flower type
dioecious

Uses

Edible uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

One report says that the fruit might be edible[2]. The fruit is about 5mm in diameter[5].

Plant part
Fruit

Material uses

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

A carpeting plant that roots as it spreads, it is suitable for ground cover when spaced about 45cm apart each way[6].

Ecology and functions

Ecosystem niche
Soil surface

Environment

Range
S. America - S.W. Argentina, S. Chile and the Falkland Islands.
Habitat
Damp grassy places[3]. Moist sheltered places from sea-level to 1000 metres[8].
Light
full sun
Shade tolerance
light shade
Water
moderate
Hardiness
Zone 7+
Soil textures
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil pH
acid, neutral, alkaline
Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
No
Drought
intolerant

Propagation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Seed - best sown as soon as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a sandy mix in a cold frame[5]. The seed can also be sown in the spring[4]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division as new growth commences in the spring[5]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Cultivation

This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.

Requires a damp humus rich soil in a sunny position or semi-shade[1][5]. Prefers a cool moist position[6]. Plants are hardy to at least -10°c[3]. The plant has a creeping root and spreads to form extensive patches[3]. The top part of the inflorescence is male, the bottom is female and the middle is hermaphrodite according to one report whilst another says that the flowers are unisexual without saying if the two sexes are on the same plant[5]. Male and female flowers are on separate plants[4]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[7].

References

  1. F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press 1951-00-00

    ↩

  2. Kunkel. G. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books 1984-00-00 ISBN 3874292169

    ↩

  3. Phillips. R. & Rix. M. Perennials Volumes 1 and 2. Pan Books 1991-00-00 ISBN 0-330-30936-9

    ↩1↩2↩3

  4. Brickell. C. The RHS Gardener's Encyclopedia of Plants and Flowers Dorling Kindersley Publishers Ltd. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-86318-386-7

    ↩1↩2

  5. Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5

    ↩1↩2↩3↩4↩5

  6. Thomas. G. S. Plants for Ground Cover J. M. Dent & Sons 1990-00-00 ISBN 0-460-12609-1

    ↩1↩2

  7. Thomas. G. S. Perennial Garden Plants J. M. Dent & Sons, London. 1990-00-00 ISBN 0 460 86048 8

    ↩

  8. Moore. D. M. Flora of Tierra del Fuego. Anthony Nelson. 1983-00-00 ISBN 0-904614-05-0

    ↩

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