Fuchsia thymifolia

Kunth

Onagraceae Edible: Fruit 365 iNaturalist observations

iNaturalist· cc-by

iNaturalist· cc-by-nc

Summary

Fuchsia thymifolia is a species of Fuchsia found in Mexico to North Guatemala.

Description

An evergreen shrub reaching about 2.2 m tall, with small white flowers and dark fruit. It grows as a tropical and subtropical plant, often in pine forests at elevations of 1,800-3,200 m, and tolerates shade well.

Edible Uses

The fruit are eaten raw.

Traditional Uses

The fruit are eaten raw.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

In Mexico its medicinal use includes the treatment of thrush, sores in the mouth (thrush) and scurvy, and in the State of Hidalgo it is used for diarrhea. As a remedy, it is advisable to grind or chew the fruit and the leaf to apply it locally, or take the decoction of the aerial part. Another use that is given is in cases of cough.

Distribution

It is a tropical and subtropical plant. It often grows in pine forests. It grows between 1,800-3,200 m above sea level. It can grow in shade.

Where It Grows

Central America, Guatemala, Mexico, North America,

Cultivation

Plants can be grown by seeds or cuttings.

Propagation

Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe though stored seed can also be used. Surface sow the seed in a semi-shaded position in a seed tray, gently pressing the seed into the compost, and do not allow the compost to dry out. Germination should take place in less than 6 weeks. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle, and grow them on until large enough to plant out. Inter-nodal cuttings of greenwood, 5 - 8cm long in a frame. Quick and easy, a high percentage take. Inter-nodal cuttings of half-ripe wood in a frame. Very quick and easy, treat as greenwood cuttings above. Cuttings usually succeed at any time during the growing season.