River Pumpkin
Gunnera perpensa L.
Gunnera perpensa is a wetland plant native to eastern and southern Africa, including Madagascar. It is a perennial herb that reaches up to 1 m in height, characterized by kidney-shaped leaves with lobed and serrated edges.
Description
Gunnera perpensa (L.) is a member of the Gunneraceae family and is commonly known as River Pumpkin. It is found in countries such as Burundi, Ethiopia, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mozambique, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and others in the region. The species was first described in 1767. This plant thrives in wetland environments and is distinguished by its kidney-shaped leaves with irregular lobes and serrated margins.
Other common names
River Pumpkin
Distribution
Global · Burundi · Cape Provinces · Ethiopia · Free State · KwaZulu-Natal · Lesotho · Madagascar · Mozambique · Northern Provinces · Rwanda · Sudan · Swaziland · Tanzania · Zaïre · Zimbabwe
Synonyms
Gunnera calthifoliaGunnera perpensa var. alpinaGunnera perpensa var. angustaGunnera perpensa var. kilimandscharicaPerpensum blitispermum