Features:
Common name: Poor man’s umbrella, Sombrilla del Pobre
Family: Gunneraceae, Haloragidaceae
Origin: South America, Brazil
Height at maturity: 2.5 to 3 meters
Hardiness: -10°C
Exposure: sunny, partial shade
Plant type: ornamental plant
Vegetation: perennial
Foliage: semi evergreen
Flowering: from June
Flower color: red
Soil type: very rich in humus
Watering: copiously in summer, normal in winter
Use: massif, waterside or isolated
Diseases and insect pests: slugs, aphids and whiteflies
Toxicity: inedible
Storage of seeds: 2 years in a dry place away from light at 3/4°C (refrigerator)
Description:
Gunnera insignis is a majestic tropical shrub, growing 2.5 to 3 meters. It has large heart-shaped leaves that have diameters of 1-2 meters and red scales at the base of the leaves. The leaves are provided with prominent veins on the top of their leaves to help drain water.
In June a one meter high inflorescence appears which is covered with small red flowers.
The bottom of the plant is female and the top is male. Its fruits contain one seed per fruit.
It grows naturally at high elevations of 1,000 to 2,600 meters in the humid subtropical mountains, in full or partial sun.
For cultivation in Europe and in temperate climates, prefer planting in a large pot.
