Fuchsia excorticata - a New Zealand native - is the largest fuchsia in the world, growing to tree size upwards of 13 metres with a trunk ...Read Moreto 0.6 metres in diameter. It is found commonly throughout New Zealand, and is easily recognised by its bark which peels and hangs in red papery strips to show a pale bark underneath. The introduction of Common Brushtail Possum to New Zealand has precipitated a serious decline in this species where large concentrations of the possum are present. It appears to be one of the possum's preferred food sources which they browse individual trees to the point of defoliation and the trees die.
The berry is sweet and juicy, and was used by European settlers to make jam and puddings. Tui and Wood Pigeon feed on the berries which have lots of very tiny seeds. Fruit is edible and tastes like a very mild grape. Maori called the fruit konini and the name is sometimes given to the tree.
Fuchsia excorticata - a New Zealand native - is the largest fuchsia in the world, growing to tree size upwards of 13 metres with a trunk ...Read More