This species is closely related to Fuchsia corymbiflora[].

Common Name:

General Information

Fuchsia boliviana is a fast-growing, erect evergreen shrub or a small tree with arching, pendulous branches, it can grow 3.5 - 6 metres tall with a bole up to 5cm in diameter[].
A traditional fruit crop of the Inca empire, it is still cultivated as a magic plant in Peru, where the edible fruit is commonly gathered from the wild[]. A very ornamental plant, it is commonly grown in gardens[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

S. America - southern Peru, through Bolivia to northern Argentina

Habitat

Grows in cool mossy forests in the Andes at elevations from 1,800 - 3,000 metres[, ]. Cloud forest in moist thickets, at elevations from 600 - 3,000 metres[].

Properties

Weed Potential	Yes
Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.50 m
Growth Rate	Fast
Pollinators	Bees, Humming birds, Self
Self-fertile	Yes
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of higher elevations in the tropics, where it is found from 600 - 3,000 metres[], it is also grown at lower elevations in the subtropics and warm temperate areas. Plants can withstand occasional short-lived frosts with temperatures down to about -3°c[].
Succeeds in any fertile well-drained circum-neutral soil[]. Requires a good open humus-rich soil and a moist partially shady position in the summer[, ]. Plants can tolerate full sunlight[]. Plants can survive short periods of drought[].
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[].
Often grown as an ornamental, the plant has escaped from cultivation in areas such as New Zealand and Hawaii, where it has invaded local ecosystems[]. The plant tends to dominate native plant species - the dense foliage of large stands intercept the light, limiting the development of native understory species[].
Plants can flower through most of the year[].
Plants seem to be immune to the predations of rabbits[].
A good bee plant[]. This species has a long tubular flower and is pollinated by humming birds in the wild[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, , ]. A juicy berry[], it has a sweetish taste[, ]. The fruit is said to possess mild narcotic properties[]. A pleasant flavour[]. The fruit can be up to 25mm long and 14mm wide[, ].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe[] though stored seed can also be used. Surface sow the seed in a semi-shaded position in a seed tray, gently pressing the seed into the compost, 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 until large enough to plant out.
Inter-nodal cuttings of greenwood, 5 - 8cm long in a frame. Quick and easy, a high percentage take[, ].
Inter-nodal cuttings of half-ripe wood in a frame. Very quick and easy, treat as greenwood cuttings above[].
Cuttings usually succeed at any time during the growing season[].
Division of suckers[].

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