About Fuchsia microphylla Kunth
Fuchsia microphylla Kunth is a deciduous to semi-evergreen perennial herbaceous shrub that grows at a medium rate, reaching up to 1.8 meters (5.9 feet) in height and 0.91 meters (3 feet) in spread. It is hermaphrodite, pollinated by insects, and also capable of being dioecious while remaining self-fertile. It flowers from September to October, producing non-fragrant, very small, tubular, pendent pink flowers, and flowering attracts wildlife. This species is hardy to UK zone 9 and USDA zones 8–11, is not frost tolerant, and can survive temperatures between 10–15 °F (−12 – −9 °C) when given wall shelter. It grows well in light, medium, and heavy soils of acid, neutral, or basic pH, prefers moist, well-drained soils, and thrives in full light or semi-shade. Its fruit is edible, dark colored and round, with a maximum diameter of 1.5 centimeters and a typical diameter of 5 millimeters; its flavor is described as sweet but mild. The plant is variable in growth habit: it usually grows erect and forms clumps or bushes, but in shadier woodland it can develop climbing habits with stems reaching 500 centimeters (16 feet) long. Its leaves can grow up to 4 centimeters in length, but are normally much smaller. Leaves are generally oblanceolate to obovate, though they may also be ovate or lanceolate, and are usually toothed, with some varieties lacking teeth. New growth on this plant is red, and the plant can be grown in a pot. Plants in the section Encliandra, which this species belongs to, are defined by having only four stamens protruding from the flower tube, while the other four remain enclosed within the tube. Fuchsia microphylla is native to the region ranging from southern Mexico south to Panama. It occurs at elevations between 1,200 and 3,800 meters (3,900 and 12,500 feet), growing in oak and pine woods in Mexico, and in low thickets and exposed rocky places in Guatemala. This plant is grown as an ornamental, and its berries are collected locally for eating.
