UK bans popular garden plant Gunnera after study finds it an invasive species

Exclusive: plant from South America, also known as giant rhubarb, found to spread rapidly and choke native flora

With its dramatic leaves and sprawling structure, the giant rhubarb has long been a popular garden plant, gracing the grounds of stately homes and multiple National Trust properties.

But the UK government is now to enact a ban on the popular plant, also known as Gunnera, meaning it cannot be sold or cultivated, and those who have it in their gardens must ensure it does not spread. It will be under a similar ban to that on Japanese knotweed.