Wild Rhubarb
Gunnera perpensa
Also known as
River Pumpkin, Wilde Ramenas, Rivierpampoen (Afr.), Qobo (Sotho), Uqobho (Swati), Rambola-vhadzimu, Shambola-vhadzimu (Venda), Iphuzi Lomlambo, Ighobo (Xhosa), Ugobhe, Ugobho (Zulu)
Gunnera perpensa by Nicola van Berkel (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/)
Partial Shade
Moderate care
Frequent watering
Tender
13b
USDA zone
18°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
1m | Max | 1m |
80cm | Min | 80cm |
1 years to reach maturity
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Wild Rhubarb
Wild Rhubarb Overview
The river pumpkin is a marsh-plant that can only grow in very wet sites. The leaves of this plant resemble those of a pumpkin, hence its common name. It is important to note that the plants will die back in the cold, winter months, even in the warmest of areas. The flower stalks and petioles as well as the leaf stems are edible and are consumed by native people across the world. ZA Distribution: Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Western Cape.
Common problems with Wild Rhubarb
Generally not affected by pests and diseases.
Wild Rhubarb Companion Plants
Plant along side marsh plants and water lovers.
How to harvest Wild Rhubarb
Pick leaves as needed.
How to propagate Wild Rhubarb
Rhizomes
Break off a rhizome with eyes and soon a new leave will emerge.
Division
Divide the clumps as they grow thick.
Special features of Wild Rhubarb
Wet sites
Requires a wet, marshy site to grow. It is most commonly found in wetlands and along riverbanks.
Attracts birds
Birds feed on the fleshy, red berries.
Other uses of Wild Rhubarb
Medicinal
Indigenous people use the essence extracted from the roots to expel the placenta after birth and to relieve menstrual pains.
Edible
The petioles and flower stalks are eaten raw by the indigenous people of southern Africa. In South America, the native people eat the leaf stalks raw or cooked, similar to rhubarb.