Fuchsia excorticata (Konini, Tree fuchsia, Kotukutuku, New Zealand Fuchsia)

Botanical Information

FamilyOnagraceae
GenusFuchsia
Speciesexcorticata
SynonymsSkinnera excorticata.
CategoryTropicals, Woody
TypeTree (deciduous), Shrub (deciduous)
OriginNative to New Zealand.
Ethnobotanical Uses
Disclaimer		The berry is sweet and juicy and it was also used by European settlers to make jam and puddings.
Pronunciation

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone8b - 9a
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH4 - H3
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)-10 - (-5)
Temperature (°F)0 - 10
Height12-15 m
GrowthMedium
Flowering PeriodAugust, September, October, November, December

Description and Growing Information

ID CharacteristicNew Zealand species with yellow and violet tubular flowers and striking bark on maturity.
ShapeSpreading.
CultivationGrow in humus rich moist but well drained soil with full sun for best results but will tolerate part shade.
PestsWhiteflies, capsid bugs, aphids, vine weevil, red spider mites, grey mould, rust.
Notable SpecimensTrebah Garden Trust, Mawnan Smith, Falmouth, Cornwall, United Kingdom. Trengwainton garden, Madron, Cornwall, United Kingdom.
HabitatLowlands and lower montane forests, along forest edges, streams and shady gullies on North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands in New Zealand.
Bark/Stem DescriptionA thin flaky orange bark which peels spontaneously, hanging in red papery strips to show a pale bark underneath.
Leaf DescriptionThin pointed leaves that are white underneath. Leaves up to 10mm long by 1.5-3cm wide, margin with small teeth.
Flower DescriptionSmall flowers change from greenish-yellow to purple-red. These flowers are rich in nectar and are visited by honey-eating birds.
Fruit DescriptionDark purple, sweet and juicy berries.
Colour DescriptionFlower colourful, in clusters from trunk or branches.

Photographs