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The Giant rhubarb (Gunnera tinctoria) belongs to the family Haloragaceae. It is a perennial herb that is distributed in southern Chile and the regions of Argentina adjacent to Chile. It grows along rivers and roadsides, reaching a height of around 2 m. In terms of size, it is slightly smaller than the Gunnera manicata. The stems are densely covered with numerous spines. The leaves are heart-shaped and palmately lobed, reaching a maximum width of 2.5 m. From spring to early summer, it produces erect, conical panicles bearing small flowers. In Chile, the leaf stipes are eaten raw and also used in jams and syrups. It has also been introduced as an ornamental plant in many regions around the world, and has escaped from gardens to become a species of concern as an invasive alien species.
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