Contents
Description
Gunnera Perpensa, commonly known as Wild Rhubarb, is a flowering plant that is native to South Africa. It belongs to the Gunneraceae family and is a herbaceous perennial plant. This plant can grow up to 2 meters tall and 2.5 meters wide, making it a great option for large gardens and landscapes.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Gunnerales |
| Family | Gunneraceae |
| Genus | Gunnera |
Appearance
Gunnera Perpensa has large, round, and slightly lobed leaves that can grow up to 1 meter in diameter. The leaves are a bright green color and have a rough texture. The plant also produces small, greenish-yellow flowers that are arranged in spikes that can grow up to 2 meters tall. The flowers bloom in the summer and are followed by small, brownish-red fruits.
Care Guide
Gunnera Perpensa requires regular watering to keep the soil moist. It prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. It can be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer months. This plant requires full sun to partial shade and can grow in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Gunnera Perpensa is generally not affected by pests or diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet for an extended period of time. It is important to ensure that the soil is well-draining and not waterlogged.
Habitat
Gunnera Perpensa is native to South Africa and is commonly found in damp areas, such as riverbanks and wetlands. It prefers moist soil and can grow in both sunny and shady areas.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Gunnera Perpensa be grown in a container?
A: Gunnera Perpensa can be grown in a large container as long as the soil remains moist and it is fertilized regularly.
Q: How often should Gunnera Perpensa be fertilized?
A: Gunnera Perpensa should be fertilized with a balanced fertilizer in the spring and summer months.
Q: Will Gunnera Perpensa tolerate full sun?
A: Yes, Gunnera Perpensa can tolerate full sun to partial shade.
Q: Can Gunnera Perpensa be propagated by division?
A: Yes, Gunnera Perpensa can be propagated by division in the spring.
Related Plants
- Gunnera Tinctoria
- Gunnera Manicata
- Gunnera Macrophylla
References
- “Gunnera perpensa.” PlantZAfrica, South African National Biodiversity Institute, 15 May 2006, http://pza.sanbi.org/gunnera-perpensa.
- “Gunnera perpensa.” Missouri Botanical Garden, www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282252.
