Bolivian Fuchsia
Fuchsia boliviana

Family: Onagraceae

What it is like

An erect shrub or small tree. It grows to 3.5 m high. The leaves are soft and grey green. Sometimes the veins are reddish. They grow in rings of three. They are narrowly oval or egg shaped. They have a pointed tip and there are teeth along the edge. The flowers hang down and occur in clusters as long scarlet tubes. The fruit is edible.

There are about 106 Fuchsia species. There are also 1000's of hybrids and cultivated varieties.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It is frost tender. In Argentina it grows between 500-3,000 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Melbourne Botanical Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Andes, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia (country/location of origin), Central America, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Hawaii, Mexico, North America, Pacific, Peru (country/location of origin), South America (country/location of origin), St Helena, USA, Venezuela

How it is used for food

The ripe fruit are eaten raw.

Edible parts

Fruit

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Aretillo, Fucsia

Synonyms

Fuchsia cuspidata Fawc. & Rendle;