Gunnera manicata
Origin: Brazil (via British Columbia)
Improvement Status: Cultivated
Seeds per packet: ~25
BOTANICAL SAMPLE - NOT GERMINATION TESTED
Life cycle: Perennial
Brazilian giant rhubarb is not a rhubarb at all, but a truly giant perennial plant native to the temperate mountain regions of southern Brazil (hardy to USDA Zone 7). Grown in gardens around the world for its spectacular, almost comically large foliage (record leaves are 11 feet across!), it also has a tradition of medicinal use in Brazil, particularly against some STDs. Recent scientific studies have found it may be effective against Staphylococcus infections (bacterial) and Candida yeast infections (fungal). The tannins in the roots can be used to make a black dye.
This plant prefers damp conditions and so is often next to garden ponds for visual interest. Brazilian giant rhubarb plants need no fertilizer applications because they have a symbiotic relationship with certain blue-green algae that allow them to fix their own nitrogen! They also need less waterings than many plants, since their enormous leaves channel rainwater directly to their roots!! You've gotta love a plant that helps itself.
Our Fanny Bay, British Columbia-grown seed was imported by the good folks at Sheffield's Seeds in Locke, NY.
GROWING TIPS: Seed needs no special treatment to grow, but can take a long time to germinate (often many months). Surface-sow on peat or sphagnum moss and keep warm and moist.
NOTE: The final photo shown here, of Nate with his friend Julia hiding beneath a giant leaf, depicts close cousin of this plant known as Chilean giant rhubarb (Gunnera tinctoria). The other photos are public domain photos showing true Gunnera manicata.
