Konini
Fuchsia excorticata

Family: Onagraceae

What it is like

Fuchsia excorticata is a deciduous Shrub growing to 10 m (32ft 10in) at a medium rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from May to June. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. The plant can tolerates strong winds but not maritime exposure.

Height (m): 10

Where it is found

Lowlands and lower montane forests, along forest edges, streams and shady gullies on North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands.

New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, tarts, cakes, desserts etc. Juicy. A juicy berry, it is sweet but astringent. A unique flavour, they are best combined with potato flour or corn starch in order to temper the slight astringency. Sap - sweet. Obtained by cutting a length of branch and sucking out the sap, it is not freely produced however.

Sap: usually of trees and usually but not always used as a drink.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating: 2

A purple dye is obtained from the plant (the part is not specified, though it is likely to be the pollen). It makes a good ink. The pollen is bright blue and was used by the Maoris as a face powder. Wood - very strong and durable with an attractive grain, but hard to work. Used for making small items.

Cosmetic: Used to improve the physical appearence of a person.

Dye: Plants that provide dyes.

Ink: Plants that can be used as an ink.

Wood: A list of the trees and shrubs that are noted for having useful wood.

Attracts Wildlife: Plants noted for attracting wildlife

How it is grown

Succeeds in any fertile well-drained circum-neutral soil, preferring one that is rich in humus. Prefers semi-shade and a sheltered position. Does well in woodland conditions. This species is only hardy in the mildest parts of Britain, tolerating temperatures down to about -10°c when fully dormant. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun. It grows well outdoors in Cornwall and along the west coast of Scotland. Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits. A good bee plant. A very unusual plant in that its pollen is bright blue.

Propagating it: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe though it can also be sown in the spring. Surface sow the seed in pots in a warm greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination should take place in less than 6 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Inter-nodal cuttings of greenwood, 5 - 8cm long, May/June in a frame. Quick and easy, a high percentage take. Overwinter in the greenhouse for the first year and plant out after the last expected frosts. Inter-nodal cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Very quick and easy, treat as greenwood cuttings above. Cuttings usually succeed at any time during the growing season.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge;

Habit: Shrub

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth: Medium

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Skinnera excorticata.