Gunnera magellanica: Dwarf Gunnera

Gunnera magellanica is a diminutive, creeping relative of the giant rhubarb-like gunneras. Native to the cool, wet regions of southern Chile, Argentina, and the Falkland Islands, this tiny perennial forms a dense, ground-hugging mat of small, rounded, glossy green leaves with toothed margins. In summer, it produces inconspicuous tiny flowers on short spikes, followed by small, orange-red, fleshy fruit clusters that are quite ornamental.

Plant Profile

Unlike its massive cousins, G. magellanica is a miniature plant, only 1-2 inches tall, spreading slowly by rhizomes. It requires consistently moist, humus-rich, acidic soil and cool temperatures, thriving in bog gardens, along stream margins, or in damp rock crevices in partial shade. It is not drought-tolerant. Its unique texture and bright berries make it a conversation piece for the collector of unusual plants.