Giant rhubarb

Photo credit: ©RPS group Plc

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Gunnera tinctoria

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Habitat:

• It is found along coastal cliffs, waterways, roadsides, wet meadows and derelict gardens and fields.

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Widely Spread Species:

• Under Article 19 of Invasive Alien Species Regulation (1143/2014) G. tinctoria has been identified as a Widely Spread Species in Northern Ireland and as such, management measures will be put in place to minimise its impacts.

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Description:

• G. tinctoria or giant rhubarb is not related to rhubarb, but as its name implies it is similar in appearance
• This is a much larger plant with thorny leaves and stems
• This is a large herbaceous plant that forms dense colonies and shades out other plants
• This plant is most conspicuous in spring and summer when it can grow up to 2 m tall with large ‘umbrella’ shaped leaves that arise from sturdy stalks or petioles
• G. tinctoria over winters as large buds accumulating on the rhizomes (roots) above the surface, while the leaves die back, exposing these buds

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Origin and Distribution:

• Native to South America but is now invasive in Europe, North America, New Zealand and Australia.

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Impacts:

• G. tinctoria reduces the biodiversity value of infested sites.
• It can lead to the local extinction of some species with the formation of almost monospecific stands of G. tinctoria.
• Elsewhere, this species has also caused problems by blocking drainage ditches and also access ways for people.

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How did it get here?

• The plant arrived in Ireland as an ornamental plant for gardens.

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Is it found in Northern Ireland?

• It is found in Northern Ireland.
• More distribution information can be seen on NBN Atlas NI.

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You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App.

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Prevent Spread:

• Promote native species and biodiversity - use alternative, native plants.
• Know what you are buying/growing and source native Irish seed and plants.
• Do not swap plants and cuttings. Follow control advice and watch out for hitchhikers - inspect new imported purchases for invasive pest and pathogens.
• Never collect plants from the wild.
• Safe disposal of plant material and growing media.
• Record all sightings.

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Current Legislative Position (Listed on 03 August 2017) 

• This species must not intentionally be brought into the Union; kept; bred; transported to, from or within the United Kingdom, unless for the transportation to facilities in the context of eradication; placed on the market; used or exchanged; permitted to reproduce, grown or cultivated; or released into the environment. 

For further queries, you can contact the Invasive Non Native Species (INNS) Team in the Northern Ireland Environment Agency on 028 9056 9558 or Email: invasivespecies@daera-ni.gov.uk

Species Related Files: