Gunnera magellanica -

Family:	Gunneraceae
Habit:	Perennial
Height:	0.02
Width:	1
Synonyms:
Range:	S. America - S.W. Argentina, S. Chile and the Falkland Islands.

Gunnera magellanica () is a Perennial which grows to a height of 0.02m and a width of 1m . It has a hardness rating of 7.
Gunnera magellanica will flower in January to February. The flowers from this plant are dioecious (each plant is either male or female, thus both genders need to be present to seed) and they are pollinated by

Soil Information

Gunnera magellanica will grow in light (sandy),medium (loamy),hard (clay) soil. It is not necessary for the soil to be well drained.
The soil prefers the following PH / acid levels :
- pH of less than 6, Acidic soils
- pH between 6 and 8, Neutral soils
- pH greater than 8, Basic soils
Gunnera magellanica prefers moist soils

Ideal Planting Locations

Gunnera magellanica can grow in semi or areas with no shade.

Damp grassy places[187]. Moist sheltered places from sea-level to 1000m[69].

Planting places suited to this plant described below.

• Grows within a woodland garden
• Grows on a sunny edge
• Works within dappled Shade
• Can spread to cover ground and will out compete weeds

Cultivation Details

Requires a damp humus rich soil in a sunny position or semi-shade[1, 200]. Prefers a cool moist position[208]. Plants are hardy to at least -10°c[187]. The plant has a creeping root and spreads to form extensive patches[187]. The top part of the inflorescence is male, the bottom is female and the middle is hermaphrodite according to one report whilst another says that the flowers are unisexual without saying if the two sexes are on the same plant[200]. Male and female flowers are on separate plants[188]. Members of this genus are rarely if ever troubled by browsing deer[233].

Edible Uses*

* See disclaimer
Edible Rating: 1/5
One report says that the fruit might be edible[177]. The fruit is about 5mm in diameter[200].

• Fruit -

Medicinal Uses*

* See disclaimer
Medicinal Rating: 0/5
None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as soon as it is ripe in the autumn in a sandy mix in a cold frame[200]. The seed can also be sown in the spring[188]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Division as new growth commences in the spring[200]. Larger clumps can be replanted direct into their permanent positions, though it is best to pot up smaller clumps and grow them on in a cold frame until they are rooting well. Plant them out in the spring.

Known Hazards

None known

Other Uses

A carpeting plant that roots as it spreads, it is suitable for ground cover when spaced about 45cm apart each way[208].

• Ground cover - Usually low growing plants that can be grown with other plants, especially shrubs and trees, to prevent the growth of weeds.

Cultivars

no recorded cultivars

References

Flora of Tierra del Fuego.
Moore. D. M.
Author: Moore. D. M.
Rating:
Publisher : Standard work for this part of S. America. Excellent details of habitat and a few notes on plant uses.
Date of Publication : 1983

The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992.
Huxley. A.
Author: Huxley. A.
Rating:
Publisher : Excellent and very comprehensive, though it contains a number of silly mistakes. Readable yet also very detailed.
Date of Publication : 1992

DISCLAIMER: All information published on AussieGardening.com.au is for entertainment purposes only. Readers are encouraged to confirm the information contained here with other sources. The information is not intended to replace medical advice offered by doctors or dietary advice by dieticians. AussieGardening.com.au will not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary, or other damages arising therefrom.