PlantaeHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Gunnera insignis
Poor Man's Umbrella
(Oerst.) Oerst., 1857
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Giant herbaceous plant with huge, rough, orbicular leaves that can reach up to 2 meters in diameter. Its stems are thick and its inflorescences are massive reddish spikes.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Sombrilla de monteMaíz de montaña
Giant rhubarbHoja de costadoTaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Tracheophyta
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Magnoliopsida
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Gunnerales
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Gunneraceae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Gunnera
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Oerst.) Oerst., 1857
Record Completeness
84%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
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Growth HabitPhysical form and structure of the plant: tree, shrub, herb, vine, epiphyte, aquatic, etc.
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Leaf TypeLeaf characteristics: deciduous (seasonal shed), evergreen, simple, compound, needle-like, etc.
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Flowering SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Inhabits cool and very humid areas of middle and high elevations, especially on volcano slopes, roadsides, and disturbed areas of the cloud forest.Light & Water NeedsSunlight intensity and moisture levels this plant needs to grow and reproduce successfully. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Maintains a symbiotic relationship with cyanobacteria (Nostoc) to fix nitrogen, allowing it to colonize poor soils and recently slid slopes.Toxicity / UsesToxic compounds present and their documented effects on humans or other organisms. Multi-lang
Information not available in English. Help us expand this record!Physical Measures
Length (cm)
100.0 - 200.0 cm
Reproductive StructuresFlowers, fruits, and seeds — the reproductive organs and their seasonal appearance.
Flower Photos (Max 2)
No imageFruit Photos (Max 2)
No imageEvolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Oversized leaves optimized to capture sparse light and abundant moisture in the cloud forest.
Presence of specialized glands that house cyanobacteria for nitrogen fixation.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat alteration due to the expansion of pastures in highland areas.
Massive landslides that can bury entire populations, although the species is a colonizer.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
It is called 'Poor Man's Umbrella' because its leaves are large and strong enough to be used as improvised umbrellas.
Its red fruits are consumed by mountain birds such as the Quetzal.