We’ve seen these giant leaved plants all over Southern Chile. You know they grab your attention when your nearly 11 year old asks for a picture with one. Gunnera tinctoria, better known as Chilean Rhubarb, is an invasive species. The stocks, like regular rhubarb, can be eaten. Park rangers shared with us that the Pudu can be spotted eating its leaves. We like to think the tiny little Pudu use them like umbrellas when it rains. The seeds spread easily on shoes so in areas where they are particularly problematic, and we have been asked to sanitize our shoes before entering parks.
I’ll be eleven in 3 days!