Gunnera magellanica is a perennial rhizomatous dioeceous herb native to Chile, Argentina and the Falkland Islands, and Andean areas of Peru, Ecuador. In the southern part of its range it grows in damper parts of the Magellanic Forests, and shrub formations on Tierra del Fuego, with an altitudinal range from sea level to 1500m.
This is one of the smallest members of the Gunnera family, being a miniature version of much larger species such as the Brazilian Gunnera manicata with its huge rhubarb-shaped leaves up to 2 m long and 3 m wide. Male and female flowers are on separate plants; the former are sparsely spaced along the length of the stem of tall red spikes while the latter are deep pink rounded clusters near the base of the plant. The bright red fruit are grouped in conspicuous clusters amongst the wrinkled shiny green leaves.
Category | Non Native |
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Group | Forb |