Contents
Description
Fuchsia Excorticata, commonly known as the tree fuchsia or Kotukutuku, is a species of flowering plant in the fuchsia family, Onagraceae. It is native to New Zealand and can be found in forests and moist areas throughout the country. The tree can reach a height of up to 12 meters and has a trunk diameter of up to 60 cm. The bark is smooth and greyish-brown, and the leaves are oval-shaped with a glossy, dark green upper surface and a paler underside. The flowers are pendulous and appear in summer, ranging in color from pale pink to deep purple-red.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Myrtales |
| Family | Onagraceae |
| Genus | Fuchsia |
Appearance
The Fuchsia Excorticata is a large, deciduous tree with a spreading crown. Its bark is smooth, greyish-brown, with fine lines running vertically. The tree has large, oval-shaped leaves with a glossy, dark green upper surface and a paler underside. The leaves are 8-15 cm long and 5-10 cm wide, with a serrated edge. The flowers are pendulous and appear in summer, ranging in color from pale pink to deep purple-red. The flowers are 2-4 cm long and have four petals and four sepals.
Care Guide
Water
Fuchsia Excorticata prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly. During hot, dry weather, it may need to be watered more frequently.
Fertilization
The tree does not require regular fertilization, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring to encourage growth.
Soil
The tree prefers well-draining, fertile soil. If planting in a container, use a good quality potting mix.
Sunlight
Fuchsia Excorticata prefers partial shade but can tolerate full sun if the soil is kept moist.
Hardiness Zones
The tree is hardy in zones 8-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
Fuchsia Excorticata is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
Pests
- Scale insects
- Aphids
- Caterpillars
Diseases
- Phytophthora root rot
- Verticillium wilt
- Botrytis blight
Habitat
Fuchsia Excorticata is native to New Zealand and can be found in forests and moist areas throughout the country. It prefers a cool, moist environment and is often found growing near streams and rivers.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Fuchsia Excorticata be grown in a container?
A: Yes, Fuchsia Excorticata can be grown in a container. Make sure to use a good quality potting mix and water regularly.
Q: How often should I fertilize my Fuchsia Excorticata?
A: Fuchsia Excorticata does not require regular fertilization, but a slow-release fertilizer can be applied in early spring to encourage growth.
Q: How often should I water my Fuchsia Excorticata?
A: Fuchsia Excorticata prefers moist soil and should be watered regularly. During hot, dry weather, it may need to be watered more frequently.
Q: What is the hardiness zone for Fuchsia Excorticata?
A: Fuchsia Excorticata is hardy in zones 8-10.
Related Plants
- Fuchsia magellanica
- Fuchsia boliviana
- Fuchsia regia
- Fuchsia denticulata
References
- Flora of New Zealand. (n.d.). Fuchsia excorticata. Retrieved October 14, 2021, from https://www.nzflora.info/factsheet/Taxon/Fuchsia-excorticata.html
- Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. (n.d.). Fuchsia excorticata. Retrieved October 14, 2021, from https://www.rbge.org.uk/plants/11690/fuchsia-excorticata/details
- Te Ara – The Encyclopedia of New Zealand. (n.d.). Kotukutuku – tree fuchsia. Retrieved October 14, 2021, from https://teara.govt.nz/en/kotukutuku-tree-fuchsia
