Giant rhubarb (Gunnera manicata) | seeds, 10 pcs.

RARE

• Latin name: Gunnera manicata
• Danish names: Kæmpegunnera, mammutblad, kæmpe mammutblad
• English names: Giant rhubarb, Brazilian giant gunnera

- Genuine seeds of Gunnera manicata

Gunnera manicata is the most iconic and sought-after species in the Gunnera genus – famous for its enormous, umbrella-like leaves that can reach over 2 meters in diameter. The species originates from the humid mountainous regions of southeastern Brazil, where it grows along streams and in rainy valleys. With its extreme foliage and vigorous growth, it is one of the most dramatic ornamental plants that can be grown in temperate gardens.

The plant forms strong, thorny leaf stalks and a massive rhizome, which sends up new leaves every spring at an impressive pace. In mid-summer, it can develop large, cone-shaped inflorescences, which later set seeds. Gunnera is a herbaceous plant – not a shrub – but its size gives it an almost woody appearance in the garden.

Cultivation and requirements:

Gunnera manicata thrives best in full sun to partial shade and requires very moist, nutrient-rich soil. It is ideal for placement near ponds, streams, or in depressions where the soil never dries out completely. The more water and nutrients, the larger the leaves will become.

The plant is hardy in Denmark, but requires winter protection. In the autumn, the leaves are cut off and placed over the plant's growth point as insulation, often supplemented with straw, leaves, or garden fleece. The rhizome can withstand frost as long as it is not exposed to drying out and bare frost.

Cultivation from seed:

Here it is important to be aware of a special detail: genuine seeds of Gunnera manicata are very rare. In cultivation, crosses often occur between Gunnera manicata and the closely related Gunnera tinctoria, and seeds from such plants therefore often result in hybrids, not pure manicata. We have, however, been fortunate enough to obtain genuine seeds!

Genuine Gunnera manicata is therefore usually propagated vegetatively via division of the rhizome to ensure the correct species. Germination from seed requires good warmth, and some use up to 30 degrees. The seeds can take a long time to germinate.

Utility:

Gunnera manicata is grown exclusively as an ornamental plant and has enormous architectural value in the garden. It is used to create a jungle and rainforest atmosphere, especially in large gardens and parks where its size can truly come into its own.

It also provides shelter, shade, and a microclimate for smaller plants and animals and acts as a striking focal point that almost no other plant can match.

Gunnera manicata is the plant for the uncompromising gardener – a true giant that requires space, water, and respect, but which in return delivers one of the most spectacular plant displays you can get in a temperate garden.

- NOTE: The seeds are very small