Gunnera perpensa
Family: Gunneraceae
What it is like
Gunnera perpensa is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.4 m (1ft 6in). It is in flower in August. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.5
Where it is found
Marshes, from Ceres to Paarl, Peninsula to Port Elizabeth.
S. Africa.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 1
Leaves - chewed or cooked. Leaf stem - raw.
Stem: this often intergrades into leaves.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
How it is grown
Requires a damp humus rich soil in a sunny position or semi-shade. The top part of the inflorescence is male, the bottom is female and the middle is hermaphrodite. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer.
Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a sandy mix in a cold frame. The seed can also be sown in the spring. 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. 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.
Best place to grow: Bog Garden;
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness:
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist