Exotic Beauty
Fuchsia Magellanica
This flowering plant of the evening primrose family Onagraceae, commonly known as the hummingbird fuchsia, hardy fuchsia or chilco (from Mapudungun: chillko "watery"), is native to the tropical and subtropical regions of South America. Its species grow in temperate southern regions of Argentina and Chile, to the Straits of Magellan, hence the name. It can be found in Australia as well, the species recorded as naturalized in the states of Western Australia, South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania. They thrive in damp scrublands, forest edges, or clearings, often close to water sources and yet, can thrive in controlled environments too. According to one source, they arrived in England in the late 18th century:
The English gardener James Lee discovered them on the windowsill of a seaman's house and bought them for a considerable sum. As early as 1793, Lee is said to have sold a large number of pieces that he had pulled from this one copy. Fuchsia Magellanica, and its cultivars and hybrids, are widely cultivated by plant nurseries and gardeners as ornamental plants. They are grown in temperate and subtropical gardens and conservatories, in containers on patios, balconies, and indoors. They prefer a sunny position.
The plants are quite cold-hardy compared to other species from more tropical climates, being deciduous where frosts are light, and only top die back in hard frosts (with mulching). The profuse drooping flowers are a nectar source attractive to hummingbirds.
It has been used in traditional remedies as a diuretic and antipyretic.
The plants are quite cold-hardy compared to other species from more tropical climates, being deciduous where frosts are light, and only top die back in hard frosts (with mulching). The profuse drooping flowers are a nectar source attractive to hummingbirds.
It has been used in traditional remedies as a diuretic and antipyretic.
(Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuchsia_magellanica )
Another source claims that the hanging growth habit and flared shape of the flower gave rise to the popular name ''Ladies Eardrop " and is highly valued for its showy pendulous flowers, tubular to bell-shaped in shades of red and purple to white.
The Fuchsia Magellanica is very beautiful, its unique appearance and bold, vivid colors make me think Nature went the extra mile creating this flower.
In a Flower-World beauty pageant, I think she would win the crown ☺
