Gunnera tinctoria

Gunnera tinctoria, known as giant-rhubarb, Chilean rhubarb, quirusilla or nalca, is a flowering plant species native to southern Chile and neighboring zones in Argentina and Bolivia. It is not closely related to rhubarb, as the two plants belong to different orders, but looks similar from a distance and has similar culinary uses. It is a large-leaved perennial plant that grows to more than 2 m (6.6 ft) tall. It has been introduced to many parts of the world as an ornamental plant. In some countries, such as New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, it has spread from gardens and is becoming an introduced species of concern. It is known under the synonyms Gunnera chilensis Lam. and Gunnera scabra Ruiz & Pav.

Description

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.

Edible Uses

The young leaf stalks are peeled and eaten raw or cooked as a vegetable. They have an acid, refreshing flavour.

Traditional Uses

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.

Medicinal Uses

The whole plant is astringent.

Distribution

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.

Where It Grows

Argentina, Australia, Chile*, Europe, France, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Tasmania,

Cultivation

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

Propagation

Seed is best sown as soon as it is ripe in autumn in a sandy mix in a cold frame, or in a shady position in a greenhouse in spring. Germination typically occurs within 2–8 weeks at 15°C. Prick seedlings into individual pots once large enough to handle and grow on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out into permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division can be carried out as new growth begins in spring, and clumps can be planted directly into their permanent positions.

Other Uses

A black dye is obtained from the root, which also contains 9% tannin. The large leaves are used as a roof covering.

Notes

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.

Nutrition

Synonyms

Also Known As

Nalca, Pangue, Panke, Rhuibarbo chileno

References (21)

• Barreau, A., et al, 2016, How Can We Teach Our Children if We Cannot Access the Forest? Generational Change in Mapuche Knowledge of Wild Edible Plants in Andean Temperate Ecosystems of Chile. Journal of Ethnobiology 36(2): 412–432
• Cordero, S. E., Abello, L. A., & Galvez, F. L., 2017, Plantas silvestres comestibles y medicinales de Chile y otras partes del mundo. CORMA p 180
• Cundall, P., (ed.), 2004, Gardening Australia: flora: the gardener's bible. ABC Books. p 658
• Daly, A. B., 20014, Narrating changing foodways: wild edible plant knowledge and traditional food systems in Mapuche lands of the Andean Temperate Forests, Chile. Masters Thesis Vancouver. p 45
• Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 121

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