Common Name: Konini

General Information

Fuchsia excorticata is a deciduous shrub or a small tree with a crown of stout, spreading branches; it can grow up to 12 metres tall, though is generaly smaller in cultivation. The bole can be 15 - 45cm in diameter, occasionally to 60cm, with a thin, loose, peeling bark[, ].
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental in gardens.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

, ,

Range

New Zealand - North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands

Habitat

Lowlands and lower montane forests, along forest edges, streams and shady gullies[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Deciduous Shrub
Height	10.00 m
Growth Rate	Medium
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Fuchsia excorticata is only hardy in the mildest parts of the temperate zone[, ], tolerating occasional, short-lived temperatures down to about -10°c when fully dormant. The young growth in spring, even on mature plants, is frost-tender and so it is best to grow the plants in a position sheltered from the early morning sun[]. The plant grows well outdoors in Cornwall, UK (hardiness zone 8) and also along the west coast of Scotland (hadiness zone 7)[, ].
Succeeds in any fertile well-drained circum-neutral soil, preferring one that is rich in humus[, ]. Prefers semi-shade and a sheltered position[, ]. Does well in woodland conditions[].
A gynodioecious species with some plants producing only female flowers and others producing hermaphrodite flowers. Gynodioecy occurs as a result of a genetic mutation that inhibits a hermaphroditic plant from producing pollen, while keeping the female reproductive parts intact.
Fuchsia species flower and fruit mainly on new wood produced in the same growing season. Any pruning, therefore, is best carried out at the start of the growing season, cutting out old wood in order to encourage vigorous new growth[].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].
A good bee plant[].
A very unusual plant in that its pollen is bright blue[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, tarts, cakes, desserts etc[, , ]. Juicy[]. A juicy berry[], it is sweet but somewhat astringent[, ]. A unique flavour, they are best combined with potato flour or corn starch in order to temper the slight astringency[]. The purplish-black are around 12mm long[].

Sap - sweet. Obtained by cutting a length of branch and sucking out the sap, it is not freely produced however[].

Medicinal

After childbirth, Māori women sometimes use a vapour bath, with plants such as Rubus australis, Litsea calicaris, and Fuchsia excorticata to promote lochial discharge[].

The juice of the fruit is astringent and agreeable. It might perhaps be useful in bowel complaints[].

Other Uses

A purple dye is obtained from the plant (the part is not specified, though it is likely to be the pollen). It makes a good ink[].
The wood is astringent. Used as a dyestuff, it forms shades of purple to black when iron is used as the mordant[].

The pollen is bright blue and was used by the Maoris as a face powder[, ].

The bark contains tannins[].

The wood is very strong and durable with an attractive grain, but hard to work. It is used for making small items[].
The wood is very difficult to burn[].

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe[] though it can also be sown in the spring[]. Surface sow the seed in pots in a warm greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out[]. Germination should take place in less than 6 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Inter-nodal cuttings of greenwood, 5 - 8cm long, May/early summer in a frame. Quick and easy, a high percentage take[, ]. Overwinter in the greenhouse for the first year and plant out after the last expected frosts.
Inter-nodal cuttings of half-ripe wood, mid summer in a frame. Very quick and easy, treat as greenwood cuttings above[].
Cuttings usually succeed at any time during the growing season[].