Fuchsia boliviana
Bolivian fuchsia
Family: Onagraceae
Origin: South America
Regional Pest Management Plan (RPMP) status
- National Pest Plant Accord Species
- Whole region — Sustained control
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.
Caution: When using any herbicide or pesticide please read the label thoroughly to ensure that all instructions and safety requirements are followed.
