Huge Brazilian Plant Growing in Dorset has 11ft-Wide Leaves

This monster leaf has shot into the record books because it has an incredible 11ft diameter.

Grown at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens, the Gunnera Manicata leaf is big enough for a whole family to shelter under. The plant, that is native to Brazil, has been growing at the gardens for the last 30 years but its leaves this year are three feet longer than usual.

It is believed the wet summer is responsible for the booming of the bog-loving behemoth. Curator Stephen Griffith believes his leaves are the largest in Britain and the bounty is a bonus after last winter’s cold weather caused serious harm to several plants.

The leaves of the plant – which is also known as a Giant Rhubarb – are usually about 8ft wide. Mr Griffith said visitors to the sheltered gardens, that enjoys its own micro-climate, have been stunned by the size of the leaf.

He said: “This plant comes from Brazil and lives in bogs so it has enjoyed the wet conditions this year.

“People are amazed and I’ve even seen some visitors sheltering under the leaves when it has been been raining.” (BNPS.co.uk)