Fuchsia alpestris

Fuchsia alpestris is a woody shrub in the evening primrose family, Onagraceae. It comes from Brazil, with Kew placing it in north-central Rio de Janeiro. It grows in wet tropical uplands, among thickets and low forest. Its habitat includes slopes near granite outcrops on local hills. Records place it at about 3,610–5,250 feet [1,100–1,600 metres] above sea level. It also grows in subtropical and warm temperate gardens.

This shrub loses its leaves and has a loose, scrambling form. Its stems lean across nearby plants, which help support them. The garden height listed by Useful Tropical Plants is 6.6 feet [2 metres]. That source also gives a broader range of 3.3–16.4 feet [1–5 metres]. The larger figure reflects the full reported range, rather than a stated garden norm. Gardeners grow it as an ornamental shrub. Plants For A Future places it at woodland edges and in dappled shade.

Hummingbirds pollinate the flowers, and the plant can also pollinate itself. Its fruit forms an oblong purple berry with juicy flesh. Each berry measures 14–16 millimetres long and 8–10 millimetres wide. The small seeds can be swallowed with the fruit. People gather the berries from wild plants for local use. They eat them raw or cook them into preserves. The taste is sweet, though an aftertaste remains. Useful Tropical Plants reports no known hazards or medicinal uses. This does not establish safety for every use or for pets.

Choose a cool, moist site with some shade. The soil should drain well while holding enough moisture. Fertile ground rich in humus suits the plant. It grows in heavy clay as well as loam. Leaf mould and sand can improve a loam-based growing mix. The cited soil preference is close to neutral pH. Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 9–11. Useful Tropical Plants also reports that rabbits seem to leave it alone.

Seeds and cuttings offer two ways to raise new plants. Sow fresh seed on the surface and press it down gently. Keep the seed tray shaded and prevent the compost from drying. Germination should take less than six weeks. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Green and partly ripened stem cuttings root well during the growing season.