Fuchsia excorticata aka Tree Fuchsia

Fuchsia excorticata is a tree from New Zealand. It belongs to the willowherb family, Onagraceae. Its common names include kōtukutuku and New Zealand fuchsia. It grows in lowland forests and lower mountain forests. Its habitats include stream banks, forest edges, and shaded gullies. Records place it on North, South, Stewart, and Chatham Islands.

This deciduous plant forms a large shrub or small tree. It has an upright shape with bushy growth. The RHS gives a height range of 26–39 feet [8–12 metres]. Its listed spread is about 3–5 feet [1–1.5 metres]. Plants may take five to ten years to mature. The leaves are dark green and fall seasonally. Mature bark peels away in pale brown layers. This bark gives the tree interest beyond its flowering season. Yellow and violet-purple flowers appear from summer into autumn.

The RHS rates this species H2 under UK conditions. It tolerates cool weather but does not survive freezing. PFAF lists USDA zones 8–11, a broader guide from another source. In colder areas, the RHS recommends a cool, frost-free greenhouse. Use bright indirect light when growing it under glass. Outdoor positions may have full sun or partial shade. Choose a sheltered spot with soil that drains well. It accepts chalk, clay, loam, and sandy soils. Acid, neutral, and alkaline soils all suit it. Keep container compost just moist, then water freely during spring and summer. Apply a general liquid feed monthly during that growing season.

Its bark and form suit conservatories and sheltered, mild gardens. PFAF also lists woodland edges and dappled shade as planting settings. The plant attracts wildlife. Grow new plants from softwood or semi-hardwood cuttings. Plants under glass may need pruning to limit their size. Aphids, capsid bugs, and vine weevils may attack it. Other pests include gall mites, flea beetles, and glasshouse red spider mites. Diseases include fuchsia rust and grey mould. Honey fungus can occur, though the RHS calls it rare.

The juicy fruit can be eaten raw or cooked. It tastes sweet but has some astringency. The sap is also sweet, though branches yield little. PFAF reports no known hazards or medicinal uses. It records uses for dye, ink, and durable wood. Māori used the bright blue pollen as face powder.