Giant Rhubarb (Gunnera tinctoria) was only found in a small number of places in Ireland before the 1980's. Since then, though, it has spread quite quickly. Is this due to some change in Ireland's climate?Gunnera tinctoria is a large herbaceous plant that forms dense colonies that shade out and suppress native vegetation. This species is a vigorous seeder, and birds facilitate its spread. Its ability to reproduce rhizomatically is yet another reason for its invasive nature. Intense effort is required to control this species (Global Invasive Species database).
Climate Connection?
- What's the best way to investigate the link between Gunnera distribution and GSL/SGS/EGS?
- Associate Gunnera locations with GSL grid. Plot $\Delta$GSL Versus Gunnera density?
- What other climate variables should I look at? Precip? GDD? Soil T?
