F. excorticata is the largest member of the genus Fuchsia.
It is growing up to 15 m (50 ft) in height and trunk diameter up to 1 m (3.3
ft). It is distinguishable by an unusually light brown or orange bark, which is
highly thin and paper like, peeling in strips. It is unusual among New Zealand
trees being deciduous in the southern part of its range, losing its leaves in
winter in all but the warmest areas.
The leaves of this species include slim petioles, the join
being nearly 1 – 4 cm (0.4 – 1.8 in) long. The leaves tend to be approximately
10 mm and ranging from 1.5 – 3 (0.5 – 1.4 in) wind, tend to form an oblong
shape with a rounded base. Leaves have a smooth epidermis with the anomaly on
the margin and veins. Its margin is serrated with small teeth, color of above
generally being dark green and the bellow being paler and more silver.
The attractive, small flowers appear between August and
December. They gradually change from greenish-yellow to purple-red. Flowers are
solitary and pendulous with an average of 3-4 petals that extend to a point.
The flower base generally redder in color before extending into rich petals.
The Petals of the flowers are 2 – 5 mm long. The flowers are rich in nectar and
are visited by honey-eating birds, especially tui, bellbirds and silvereyes.
The berries range to nearly 10 mm long, ellipsoid-oblong
shaped, color is dark purple to almost black. The berry is sweet, juicy and delicious
to eat. It is one of the possum’s
preferred food sources. Maori named the berry Konini and on the West Coast of
the South Island the plant is known by this name. It makes a sweet tasty jam. It was also eaten by European settlers in jams
and puddings. It also plant as ornamental flowering plant.
