Platanillo
Fuchsia splendens
Family: Onagraceae
What it is like
A shrub. It can grow in soil or attached to other plants. It can grow 2.4 m high. The bark on the larger branches peels off in red coloured strips. The leaves are heart shaped and have teeth along the edges. They are green above and paler underneath. The veins can be red underneath. The flower tube is red-pink. The sepals are green with a red base and the petals are grey-green. The fruit is green to purple. The fruit is warty. They are 4 cm long by 1 cm wide.
There are about 100 Fuchsia species.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It can grow in heavy shade or full sun. It can tolerate short frosts but not extended cold periods. It needs a fertile well-drained soil. A pH of 5.5-7 is suitable. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.
Countries/locations it is found in
Australia, Belize, Central America, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico (country/location of origin), Nicaragua, North America
How it is used for food
The fruit are eaten raw. They can also be used for preserves.
Edible parts
Fruit