Chilean rhubarb

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Gunnera tinctoria

Chilean rhubarb, a reference photo
Photo: Margaret Donald · CC BY-SA 2.0 (licence)

Gunnera tinctoria, known as giant-rhubarb, Chilean rhubarb, quirusilla or nalca, is a flowering plant species native to southern Chile and neighboring zones in Argentina and Bolivia. It is not closely related to rhubarb, as the two plants belong to different orders, but looks similar from a distance and has similar culinary uses. It is a large-leaved perennial plant that grows to more than 2 m (6.6 ft) tall. It has been introduced to many parts of the world as an ornamental plant. In some countries, such as New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and Ireland, it has spread from gardens and is becoming an introduced species of concern. It is known under the synonyms Gunnera chilensis Lam.

From Wikipedia, under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Is it poisonous?

We have no record of Chilean rhubarb being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.

Easily confused with

Classification

Kingdom
Plantae
Phylum
Tracheophyta
Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Gunnerales
Family
Gunneraceae
Genus
Gunnera
Species
Gunnera tinctoria

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