This fuchsia, native to South America, has a spectacular blossom but is considered an invasive plant in some regions, such as in Reunion.
Identity Card
Tassonomia
Detailed Informations
Etymology
Fuchsia is a genus named to honour the memory of German botanist Leonhart Fuchs; boliviana means “from Bolivia”.
Description and flowering period
It is a fast growing shrub reaching up to 6 meters in height. Its persistent leaves have a hairy red petiole (leaf-stalk) and are shaped like a spear-head. They are slightly crimped and are speckled with small greenish-white dots which are characteristic of the species. The flowers are borne at the end of its arched branches, in pendulous clusters. They consist of an elongated tubular calyx ending in 4 pointed lobes, crowned by 4 ovoid petals. Both calyx and corolla are a bright scarlet red. The fruits are elongated berries which turn purple to nearly black upon maturation.
Habitat
It requires a fresh, rich yet well-drained soil in a full or part-shade location. It can only be planted in a subtropical climate as the plant is intolerant of both drought or light frosts.
Uses
- Ornamental, appreciated for its showy, lengthy and abundant flowering.
Notes
It is now considered to be an invasive species in some areas, such as the Réunion island. There is a horticultural variety called ‘Alba’ having a white calyx and red petals.
Translated by: François Saint-Hillier – MNHN