Laughing Dog Arts

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Gunnera Manicata

Emma over at A little bit of everything was the first one to get the right answer to my photo identification question in my last post.  It is the seed stalk on a giant Gunnera manicata plant.  Above you can see the plant in question.  It is in it's decline right now so would look more impressive at the height of summer.

Here is another close up of the seed stalk.  Not sure if seed stalk is the correct terminology for this strange thing.

It almost appears to be some foreign being with its strange growth formations.


My little hand on one big leaf.  Google it and look at images if you are interested in seeing more of this plant.  I don't have this in my yard, I took the photos at a friends house.  Emma, if you know how to take cuttings or harvest seeds from this plant, let me know please.  I wouldn't mind having one in my yard.

I will send you something by way of a prize, Emma. Not sure just what yet, we will both be surprised.  Thanks to all who hazarded a guess.

Be well.
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15 comments:

Maggi said...

Glad to hear Emma got it right. I would never have guessed that. They are amazingly statuesque plants.

Anne Huskey-Lockard said...

That is one of the most AMAZING plants I have ever seen; it does indeed look like an alien of some sort!
Sure wish it would grow in this climate; I'll have to do a little googling.

XXOO~~
Anne

Karen S said...

What an interesting plant. I've seen it before somewhere -- must've been in my previous life out west. That squash below looks yummy! We had squash soup the other night...mmmmmm...

audrey said...

Jan,
This is a cool looking plant. I love plants that are interesting and textural. It reminds me a little of our castor plants.
I love your squash photo.
♥ audrey

Crafting Queen said...

Cool plant, well done Emma.

Glenn Stenson said...

Oh, you wanted the technical term. Still think you could use it as a weapon on me. Way to go, Emma!

Marie S said...

That is the strangest looking thing.
I love the seed pod it is incredible.
Have a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

congrats to Emma, gunnera, what a magnificent plant. Too cold here for me to grow it. Looks positively prehistoric! xox Corrine

Linda Vincent said...

We sheltered under the gunnera leaves during a downpour at The Lost Gardens of Heligan. Amazing plant!
(Well done Emma)

Emma said...

Thanks all! My neighbours garden is a cold wet bog garden & they love it there & self seed. She makes me get rid of the seedlings! They're taking over a bit in the Outer Isles of Scotland, but up here we're delighted if anything grows!

Google says divide in spring as any perennial, chopping off a decent piece with enough roots on. I'd like to see you grapple with your friends huge plant! Makes great if spikey compost ;)

Emma said...

ps I can't WAIT for my prize ! :)

Lorraine said...

love these gunneras I once tried to grow one but the frost got it..I saw some huge ones growing in a lake once on a park visit but like your photos the best. Thanks for your lovely comment on my fiery red woman painting..I tend to put smaller photos of my paintings on my blog now..This is because of the likes of Pinterest etc where there is a danger of people printing off stuff and selling it on..hope you understand.

Bunny said...

Oh ny that is an interesting plant. I have never seen anything like that before. Great photos.

maddyrose said...

We had a plant in our yard in Florida that looked a lot like this but I can't be sure if it was a gunnera. When it needed trimming my kids would take one of the discarded leaves and use it for a lawn sled. One of them would sit on the leaf and the other would pull it by the stem. Good guess Emma.

Anja said...

Congratulation Emma!!
Never seen this plant