Rhizomes ± horizontal; scales 10–20 cm, laciniate. Leaves: petiole attached to rhizome; blade ± orbiculate [reniform]. Spikes dense, stout, ± conic. Flowers sessile or pedicel as long as ovary; sepals green; stigmas linear, slender. Drupes ovate to oblong. x = 12, 17.

Distribution

Introduced; North America, Mexico, Central America, South America, introduced also in w Europe, Pacific Islands.

Discussion

Species 35–50 (1 in the flora).

In addition to Gunnera tinctoria, the smaller South American species G. manicata Linden ex Delchevalerie is cultivated along the Pacific Coast and has been noted as persisting in abandoned gardens in the Fraser River delta region, British Columbia; there is no evidence of self-sown populations (S. F. Lomer, pers. comm.).

Selected References

None.

Lower Taxa

Gunnera tinctoria