This large rhizomatous perennial has an upright clump forming habit with very thorny stems and foliage. It has large rounded dark green lobed leaves and the small red-green flowers appear in tall spikes during summer. It prefers a boggy soil. 

Hardiness zones 7 to 10 

Gunnera manicata is naturally found in South America from Colombia to Brazil growing in damp to boggy sandy to peaty loams in a protected sunny position and is frost and drought tender.

The Giant Ornamental Rhubarb is a large perennial that is grown for its spectacular foliage and is used around ponds or along watercourses and in bog gardens. In cold climates it can be grown as a glasshouse specimen and establishes from division in 1 to 2 years. It is also planted as a barrier plant in large parks and gardens. Care should be taken when selecting site as it has large thorns. ID 1419

Gunnera (gun-E-ra) manicata (măn-i -KAH-ta)

Gunneraceae (GUN-er-AY-see-ee)