Fuchsia excorticata
| Fuchsia excorticata | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 33' |
| Speed: | Moderate |
| Blooms: | Late Spring-Early Summer |
| Open Woods Forest | |
| Native to: | |
| Shelter | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Fuchsia excorticata (common name: konini)
Propagation: Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe[1] though it can also be sown in the spring[2]. Surface sow the seed in pots in a warm greenhouse and do not allow the compost to dry out[1]. 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/June in a frame. Quick and easy, a high percentage take[3][K]. Overwinter in the greenhouse for the first year and plant out after the last expected frosts.
Inter-nodal cuttings of half-ripe wood, July/August in a frame. Very quick and easy, treat as greenwood cuttings above[K].
Cuttings usually succeed at any time during the growing season[K].
Cultivation: Succeeds in any fertile well-drained circum-neutral soil, preferring one that is rich in humus[2][1]. Prefers semi-shade and a sheltered position[2][4]. Does well in woodland conditions[5].
This species is only hardy in the mildest parts of Britain[6][7], tolerating 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[K]. It grows well outdoors in Cornwall and along the west coast of Scotland[8][9].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[10].
A good bee plant[11].
A very unusual plant in that its pollen is bright blue[12].
Range: New Zealand.
Habitat: Lowlands and lower montane forests, along forest edges, streams and shady gullies on North, South, Stewart and Chatham Islands[13].
Edibility: Fruit - raw or cooked in pies, tarts, cakes, desserts etc[14][12][15]. Juicy[6]. A juicy berry[K], it is sweet but astringent[16]. A unique flavour, they are best combined with potato flour or corn starch in order to temper the slight astringency[15].
Sap - sweet. Obtained by cutting a length of branch and sucking out the sap, it is not freely produced however[12].
Usage: 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[12].
The pollen is bright blue and was used by the Maoris as a face powder[7][12].
Wood - very strong and durable with an attractive grain, but hard to work. Used for making small items[17].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Wind: Tolerates strong winds
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Also Known As: Skinnera excorticata.
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Chittendon, Fred. RHS Dictionary of Plants. Oxford University Press, 1951.
- ↑ Sheat, Wilfrid. Propagation of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers. St Martin, 1948.
- ↑ Bryan, John and Coralie Castle. Edible Ornamental Garden. Pitman Publishing, 1976.
- ↑ Taylor, Jane. The Milder Garden. Dent, 1990.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 Bean, William. Trees and Shrubs Hardy in Great Britain. Murray, 1981.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Boullemier, Leo. The Checklist of Species Hybrids and Cultivars of the Genus Fuchsia. Blandford Press, 1985.
- ↑ Thurston, Edgar. Trees and Shrubs in Cornwall. Cambridge University Press, 1930.
- ↑ Phillips, Roger and Martyn Rix. Shrubs. Pan Books, 1989.
- ↑ Thomas, Graham. Perennial Garden Plants. J. M. Dent & Sons, 1990.
- ↑ International Bee Research Association. Garden Plants Valuable to Bees. International Bee Research Association, 1981.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 12.4 Crowe, Andrew. Native Edible Plants of New Zealand. Hodder and Stoughton, 1990.
- ↑ Allan, Harry. Flora of New Zealand. Government Printer Publications, 1961.
- ↑ Simmons, Alan. Growing Unusual Fruit. David and Charles, 1972.
- ↑ 15.0 15.1 Facciola, Stephen. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, 1990.
- ↑ Brooker, Stanley. Economic Native Plants of New Zealand. Oxford University Press, 1991.
- ↑ Laing, Robert. Plants of New Zealand. Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd, 1907.