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.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Gunnera talamancana
Talamanca Giant Rhubarb
H.Weber & L.E.Mora, 1958
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A spectacular megaherb featuring monumental, deeply webbed, orbicular leaves that can easily span over one to two meters across. Supported by thick, succulent, and prickle-covered petioles arising from a prostrate, fleshy rhizome, it bears an imposing, spike-like reddish-green inflorescence containing thousands of tiny, densely clustered flowers.
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Other Names (Global)Regional and multilingual names used for this species across different countries and languages.
Sombrilla de pobre del páramoTalamanca SombrillaPoor man’s umbrellaSombrilla de pobre
TaxonomyBiological 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.H.Weber & L.E.Mora, 1958
Record Completeness
93%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.
Herbivore
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
Endemic to the high-altitude cloud forests, subpáramo, and páramo ecosystems of Costa Rica and western Panama, especially within the Cordillera de Talamanca. It dominates wet, steep slopes, landslides, disturbed road cuts, and stream banks where sunlight is high and water is constantly dripping, between 2,000 and 3,400 meters elevation.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
Acts as an essential primary succession pioneer on freshly exposed soils and active mountain landslide zones. Its massive rosette shields the ground from heavy tropical rain impact, mitigating localized surface soil erosion while gathering falling organic debris to build micro-humus layers.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 - 250.0 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
Maintains an obligate intracellular symbiosis with nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria (Nostoc punctiforme) housed in specialized stem glands, allowing the plant to rapidly colonize sterile, nutrient-poor soils like freshly exposed mountain landslides.
Massive leaf architectures maximize light capture in the notoriously overcast, fog-heavy cloud forest canopy layers, acting like natural biological solar panels.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Vulnerable to climate-induced shifts in páramo hydrology, as prolonged unseasonal droughts can quickly dry out the ultra-moist seepages and micro-habitats required to sustain its massive succulent structures.
Localized road widening and intensive high-altitude alpine infrastructure development can systematically destroy pristine roadside populations, though the species is an aggressive pioneer on clean mechanical cuts.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
The iconic Costa Rican folk name 'Sombrilla de pobre' (Poor man's umbrella) stems from rural montane travelers traditionally cutting a single giant leaf to fully shield themselves from sudden, torrential neotropical cloud forest downpours.
Despite looking completely superficially like garden rhubarb, Gunnera is entirely unrelated taxonomically, belonging to an ancient, highly isolated lineage that constitutes one of the earliest branches of core eudicots.