Chilean rhubarb

Chilean rhubarb is a rhubarb-like herb with stout rhizomes. It forms dense colonies and suppresses native vegetation.

Description

• The leaves are large (up to 1m wide and 2.5m tall), shiny, and prickly to the touch.
• Leaves die back to large, creeping stems over winter.
• Flowers are minute, green or pink/red and on large flower spikes up to 1m tall
• Fruits are small and orange
• Birds, water and deliberate plantings disperse seeds. Vegetative spread from rhizome (root) or stem fragments.
• Habitats include coastal and riparian areas, cliffs, wetlands, disturbed sites, slips, and roadsides.

What you need to know

It quickly forms dense patches that can shade out and suppress native vegetation and exclude virtually all other plants. It is a prolific seeder and is easily spread by birds and fragments. Large infestations can block drains and streams.

Management approach

Chilean rhubarb is declared an unwanted organism by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) because it is capable of causing harm to the natural environment, physical resources or human health in Aotearoa/New Zealand.

These species pose a high risk to our environment, economy, recreation, and cultural values.

Consider removing this invasive species from your property and consulting your local council for appropriate disposal. Consider lower-risk alternatives for your garden, such as native plants.

Control

Physical control

Dig or pull out small plants or seedlings

Plant parts requiring disposal: all parts

Contact your local council for appropriate disposal locations

Chemical control

Cut plants close to the ground and immediately treat with herbicide gel containing glyphosate or picloram.

Foliar spray with 20ml glyphosate plus 2ml penetrant per 1L of water.

Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.