Tree fuschia
Fuchsia excorticata

Family: Onagraceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. It grows to 5-10 m tall. It spreads 1.2 m wide. It loses its leaves in cooler places. The bark is red-brown and papery. It peels off to reveal smooth green inner bark. The leaves have soft texture and are light green. Underneath they are a mixture of silvery pink and green. The flowers are about 2.5 cm long. They hang from the branches. They are bright red when open. The fruit are berries about 2 cm long. They are edible when ripe.

There are about 100 Fuchsia species.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It grows on the edges of forests in New Zealand. It needs shade. In New Zealand it grows from sea level to 1060 m altitude. It can survive brief frosts. It can tolerate strong winds but not salty winds. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia, Britain, Europe, New Zealand (country/location of origin), South America, Tasmania

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten raw. They can also be used in pies, tarts, cakes, desserts and dessert sauces. Adding potato flour or corn starch can temper the astrigent taste. The tree can be tapped for its sweet sap.

Edible parts

Fruit, sap

How it is grown

Plants can be grown by seed or cuttings. They can also be grown from suckers.

Its other names

Local names

Konini, Kotukutuku

Synonyms

Fuchsia colens;