Bolivian fuchsia

General description

Evergreen shrub < 3 m tall. Leaves are < 25 x 10 cm and densely hairy. Flowers are trumpet-like, pink/red and are borne in drooping racemes. Berries are cylindrical and dark purple.

What you need to know

To help protect our environment:

• You must not breed, distribute, release or sell Bolivian fuchsia. As Bolivian fuchsia is a National Pest Plant Accord species, these restrictions apply within the Auckland region and across the whole of New Zealand.
• You must not plant Bolivian fuchsia within the Auckland region, unless you are transferring an existing plant on your land to another location within the boundaries of the same property.
• You must destroy any Bolivian fuchsia on land that you occupy if it has been planted in breach of the above rules and you are directed to do so by an authorised person.

Habitats

Forest, shrubland, riparian margins.

Dispersal

Seeds dispersed by birds. Vegetative spread from stem fragments. Human-mediated dispersal through deliberate plantings.

Impact on environment

Potential to outcompete native Fuchsia spp. and other native vegetation. May decrease genetic diversity of native Fuchsia spp. through hybridisation.

Control

Site Management

Follow up treated areas 3 times per year. Encourage natural regeneration of native plants or replant treated areas where possible after 2-3 treatments to establish dense ground cover and minimise reinvasion.

Recommended approaches

Physical control

Method: Dig out.

Plant parts requiring disposal: Seeds and roots.

Disposal options: Remove to greenwaste or landfill if practical.

Biocontrol

Biocontrol is currently not available for this species.

Community agrichemical control recommendations

No qualifications: Cut stump and paste freshly cut base of stems with double strength glyphosate gel.

Basic Growsafe certified: Cut stump and spray freshly cut base of stems with 250ml glyphosate green per 1 L of water.