Chilean rhubarb
Gunnera tinctoria

Family: Gunneraceae

What it is like

A shrub. It grows 1-2 m tall. The leaves are 1.2-1.5 m across. The leaves can be 2.6 m across. The leaf stalk is 1 m long. The flowers are in dense spikes. They are reddish-green in colour.

There are about 68 Gunnera species. They are in the southern hemisphere and in cool or cold places. There is only one genus in the Gunneraceae. They are mostly herbs with rhizomes or stolons and large leaves.

Where it is found

A temperate plant. They need plenty of moisture. They can tolerate frost and snow. It grows along riverbanks. It grows with its roots in water. It can grow in shade. In Chile it grows from sea level to 2,000 m altitude. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 7-9. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Argentina, Australia, Chile (country/location of origin), Europe, France, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The leaf stalks are used as an ingredient in sweet meats and for making preserves. They are used for pickles. The leaf stalk is peeled and eaten as a vegetable. It is also used in confectionary.

Edible parts

Leaf stalks

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seed. These are planted onto waterlogged soil.

Its other names

Local names

Nalca, Pangue, Panke, Rhuibarbo chileno

Synonyms

Gunnera chilensis Lam.; Gunnera scabra Ruiz & Pav. [Illegitimate]; and others