The Identity of Gunnera manicata Linden ex André: Resolving a Brazilian-Colombian Enigma

The identity of the frequently cultivated Gunnera manicata Linden ex André has long been obscure. This species is sometimes claimed to originate from Brazil, and sometimes from Colombia. A recent molecular phylogenetic analysis of the genus indicated a Brazilian origin for G. manicata. The present study provides an historical background for G. manicata and further investigates its identity by including the ITS sequences of the two Colombian species, G. brephogea and the species identified as G. manicata, in a phylogenetic analysis. The new results corroborate the Brazilian origin for the cultivated G. manicata and firmly reject a Colombian provenance. The Colombian "G. manicata" needs a new description. For Gunnera manicata Linden ex André, a lectotype is designated.