Fuchsia excorticata
Tree Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata) stands as New Zealand's largest native fuchsia and one of the world's few tree-forming members of this predominantly shrubby genus. Known to Māori as Kōtare, this remarkable endemic species can reach heights of 15 metres, making it a distinctive component of New Zealand's forest ecosystems. Found throughout both main islands from coastal to montane forests, Tree Fuchsia is easily recognized by its distinctive papery bark that peels in long strips, revealing smooth underlayers beneath. The species plays a crucial ecological role as the sole host for several endemic moths and provides nectar for native birds, making it an essential element in native tree restoration projects.
| Scientific Name | Fuchsia excorticata |
|---|---|
| Height | 8-15m |
| Spread | 4-8m |
| Water Needs | Moderate, prefers consistent moisture |
| Light | Partial shade to dappled light |
| Frost Tolerance | Hardy once established |
| Salt Tolerance | Low |
| Growth Rate | Medium |
| Lifespan | Long |
Tree Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata) occurs naturally throughout New Zealand from sea level to 1000 metres elevation, demonstrating remarkable adaptability to diverse climate conditions. The species thrives in the temperate maritime climate characteristic of most New Zealand regions, preferring areas with consistent moisture and protection from extreme winds. It naturally occurs in forest understoreys and margins where it receives dappled light and shelter, making it well-suited to humid, sheltered positions in cultivation. The species shows good frost tolerance once established, though young plants benefit from protection during their first few winters.
| City | Climate Suitability |
|---|---|
| Whangārei | Ideal |
| Auckland | Ideal |
| Hamilton | Ideal |
| Tauranga | Ideal |
| Rotorua | Ideal |
| Gisborne | Ideal |
| New Plymouth | Ideal |
| Napier | Good |
| Whanganui | Ideal |
| Palmerston North | Ideal |
| Wellington | Ideal |
| Nelson | Ideal |
| Christchurch | Good |
| Dunedin | Good |
| Invercargill | Moderate |
Tree Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata) thrives in well-drained but consistently moist soils with high organic content. In its natural forest habitat, it grows in rich, humus-laden soils formed from decomposing leaf litter. The species prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil conditions and benefits from the addition of organic matter such as compost or well-rotted leaf mould. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot, particularly during winter months when growth slows.
As a forest understory species, Tree Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata) performs best in dappled shade or partial sun conditions. While it can tolerate full sun in cooler, more humid climates, it generally prefers protection from intense afternoon sunlight. The filtered light conditions found beneath larger trees or on the edge of woodlands provide ideal growing conditions, promoting healthy foliage development and abundant flowering.
Tree Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata) requires consistent soil moisture throughout the growing season but cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions. The species naturally occurs in areas with reliable rainfall and benefits from supplemental watering during dry periods. Once established, it shows reasonable drought tolerance but performs best with regular moisture availability, particularly during flowering and fruit development periods.
Tree Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata) plays a crucial role in New Zealand's forest ecosystems as both a nectar source and host plant. The distinctive blue pollen and pendulous red-purple flowers provide nectar for native birds including tūī, bellbirds, and silvereyes, while the species serves as the exclusive host for several endemic moth species. Its berries provide food for forest birds, and the large leaves offer shelter for various invertebrates, making it a keystone species in forest restoration projects.
In garden settings, Tree Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata) makes an excellent specimen tree for larger properties or can be maintained as a large shrub through pruning. Its distinctive papery bark provides year-round structural interest, while the summer flowering display attracts native birds. The species works particularly well in woodland gardens, native plant collections, or as part of forest restoration plantings where its natural character can be fully appreciated.
Known to Māori as Kōtare, Tree Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata) holds cultural significance as a native taonga species. The distinctive bark was traditionally used for various purposes, and the nectar-rich flowers were valued as a food source. The timber, while not commonly used due to its soft nature, was occasionally employed for specific traditional applications where its light weight was advantageous.
Spring marks the beginning of active growth for Tree Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata), with new leaves emerging and flower buds beginning to develop. This is an excellent time for planting new specimens or conducting any necessary pruning before the growing season begins. Apply organic fertilizer or compost around established plants to support the coming season's growth and flowering.
Summer is the peak flowering season for Tree Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata), with the distinctive pendulous red-purple flowers appearing from December through February. This is when the plant provides maximum value to native birds and pollinators. Maintain consistent soil moisture during this period and enjoy the spectacular flowering display that makes this species so distinctive.
During autumn, Tree Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata) develops its dark purple berries, providing an important food source for forest birds. This is an excellent time for seed collection if propagation is desired. Begin reducing watering frequency as growth slows and temperatures cool, preparing the plant for its winter dormancy period.
Winter is a relatively dormant period for Tree Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata), with minimal growth activity. The distinctive papery bark becomes more prominent as a garden feature during the leafless months. This is the optimal time for major structural pruning if required, while the plant is dormant and won't be stressed by the cuts.
Tree Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata) requires minimal pruning to maintain its natural form, though it responds well to shaping when needed. Focus on removing dead, damaged, or crossing branches and maintaining good air circulation through the canopy. The species can be maintained as a large shrub through regular pruning or allowed to develop its natural tree form.
Always use clean, sharp pruning tools to minimize disease risk and ensure clean cuts. The distinctive papery bark should be protected during pruning operations, as damage to the bark can affect the plant's aesthetic appeal and potentially allow disease entry.
Tree Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata) can be successfully propagated through several methods, with seed propagation being the most common approach for producing large numbers of plants. Cutting propagation is also effective and allows for the preservation of specific genetic characteristics. The species is relatively easy to grow once the basic requirements are understood and met consistently.
Growing Tree Fuchsia from seed is straightforward and provides excellent genetic diversity for restoration projects. Fresh seed offers the best germination rates and should be collected when berries are fully ripe and dark purple in colour.
Seedlings typically reach flowering size within 3-5 years under good growing conditions, making this an excellent long-term investment for garden establishment.
Semi-hardwood cutting propagation allows for faster establishment than seed propagation and maintains the exact characteristics of the parent plant, making it useful for preserving specific forms or selections.
Softwood cuttings taken from new spring growth can also be successful, particularly when bottom heat and high humidity are provided consistently throughout the rooting period.
Successful establishment of Tree Fuchsia requires careful attention to site selection and post-planting care to ensure plants develop into healthy, long-lived specimens.
With proper care, Tree Fuchsia establishes relatively quickly and begins producing its distinctive flowers within 2-3 years of planting, developing into a magnificent specimen that will provide decades of garden interest and ecological value.
Explore other native trees that share similar characteristics or ecological roles with Tree Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata), offering insights into New Zealand's diverse forest communities and providing complementary species for woodland plantings.
