Plant
Kōtukutuku
Fuchsia excorticataAlso known as Tree Fuchsia, Kotukutuku, Native Fuchsia
Kōtukutuku stands out in New Zealand forests as a rare native deciduous tree with paper-thin, cinnamon-colored bark that constantly peels away in delicate sheets. Its unique pendulous flowers emerge greenish-yellow before shifting to a deep crimson once pollinated, dusted with bright blue pollen that often smears onto nectar-seeking birds. Bearing dark purple berries, it plays a vital ecological role by sustaining native forest birds like the tūī and bellbird.
DeciduousTreeNative Flora
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyAutotrophic (Photosynthesis)
Predators
- Brushtail Possum
ThreatsBrushtail possum browsing, habitat clearing, invasive weeds
HabitatsLowland and montane forests, stream banks, forest margins
Life span100–150 years
Classification
- FamilyOnagraceae
- SpeciesFuchsia excorticata
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Wild berries have toxic look-alikes; never eat based on app identification alone.
Responsible observation
- Inspect the Bark: Look for cinnamon-colored bark peeling off in paper-thin strips.
- Check for Blue Pollen: Examine visiting nectar-eating birds for bright blue pollen smears on their head feathers.
- Watch Stream Margins: Search damp gullies and riverbanks where this shade-tolerant tree thrives best.
Pollinator (c) Possums' End, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Possums' End · cc-by
Pollinator (c) Jacqui Geux, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Jacqui Geux · cc-by
Herbivore Pest (c) Jes, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
Image unavailableClose Relative
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