Gunnera dentata

Gunnera dentata comes complete with resident snail (see picture) who is obviously content to use the evergreen foliage as a truck stop. Evidenced by the nibbled edges to the leaves.

This dwarf specimen, protected within the north facing alpine frames, shares the genus with the large leaved specimens seen growing at the pond margins. Named after a Norwegian bishop, Ernst Gunnerus 1718 – 1773 although the plant itself is a native to New Zealand.

The stalkless globular fruit is held on upright red stalks protruding through the low dense mat of foliage. Almost translucent, they are an attractive golden gooseberry shade of yellow.