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Description
Gunnera Magellanica, also known as Dwarf Gunnera or Magellan’s Gunnera, is a perennial flowering plant that belongs to the Gunneraceae family. It is native to southern Chile and Argentina and is commonly found in wet areas such as bogs, stream banks, and wet meadows. The plant features large, round leaves that can reach up to 2 feet in diameter and are supported by reddish stems that can grow up to 18 inches tall. The flowers of Gunnera Magellanica are small, greenish-yellow in color, and are arranged in cone-shaped inflorescences that can grow up to 12 inches tall.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Phylum: | Tracheophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Gunnerales |
| Family: | Gunneraceae |
| Genus: | Gunnera |
| Species: | Gunnera Magellanica |
Appearance
Gunnera Magellanica is a striking plant that can add a tropical feel to any garden. Its large, round leaves are its most distinctive feature and can grow up to 2 feet in diameter. The leaves are bright green in color and have a slightly wrinkled texture. The stems are reddish-brown in color and can grow up to 18 inches tall. The flowers of Gunnera Magellanica are small, greenish-yellow in color, and are arranged in cone-shaped inflorescences that can grow up to 12 inches tall.
Care Guide
Gunnera Magellanica is a relatively low-maintenance plant that can thrive in wet areas such as bogs, stream banks, and wet meadows. Here are some tips for caring for Gunnera Magellanica:- Water: The plant requires a lot of water, so make sure to keep the soil consistently moist.- Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.- Soil: The plant prefers rich, acidic soil that is well-draining.- Sunlight: Gunnera Magellanica prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 7-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gunnera Magellanica is generally not susceptible to pests or diseases. However, it can be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and rust. To prevent these diseases, make sure to keep the plant’s foliage dry and avoid overcrowding.
Habitat
Gunnera Magellanica is native to southern Chile and Argentina and is commonly found in wet areas such as bogs, stream banks, and wet meadows. The plant prefers cool, humid climates and can tolerate frost.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Gunnera Magellanica be grown in containers?
A: While Gunnera Magellanica can be grown in containers, it requires a lot of water and nutrients, so it may be difficult to maintain in a small space.
Q: How often should Gunnera Magellanica be fertilized?
A: Apply a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Q: Is Gunnera Magellanica invasive?
A: While Gunnera Magellanica can spread through rhizomes, it is not considered invasive in most regions.
Q: Can Gunnera Magellanica tolerate full sun?
A: Gunnera Magellanica prefers partial shade, but can tolerate full sun in cooler climates.
Related Plants
– Gunnera Manicata- Gunnera Tinctoria- Gunnera Perpensa- Gunnera Macrophylla
References
– “Gunnera Magellanica” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=287927&isprofile=0&.- “Gunnera Magellanica” Royal Horticultural Society, www.rhs.org.uk/plants/9747/gunnera-magellanica/details.
