Little Shop of Horrors

These beasts are impossible to ignore. This is Gunnera manicata.

This photo was taken at Trebah Gardens, Cornwall.

Living in Cornwall, one cannot escape them. They are eveywhere. They are commonly known as Giant Rhubarb, but don't be fooled. Your mama won't be serving up these monsters with custard. Looking at them reminds me of Audrey II, from the movie Little Shop of Horrors - "I'm just a mean green mother from outer space and I'm bad!"

Gunnera manicata is native to the swamps of Brazil. It was named after the Norwegian bishop and botanist Johann Ernst Gunnerus. It was introduced to Britain in the 1860's as a bit of Victorian hoot. It seems to like living in Cornwall, having made itself very comfortable in many gardens here.

G. manicata is a herbacaeous perennial, which dies back every winter. It starts to grow early in the spring, at a phenominal pace, with leaves that are easily up to 2.5 metres wide (that's 8 feet). It likes to grow near, but not in, water.

The flowers are up to 1 metre (about 3 feet). The overall size of the plant does depend on its age and location, but there are some in Cornwall that have reached over 4 metres (that's 13 feet).

So, if you are ever in Cornwall, and happen to meet one of these massive creatures -don't be afraid. A few simple precautions are all that's necessary . Be friendly, but don't give it your phone number, don't make any sudden movements, and don't turn your back . . .