Kotukutuku (NZ tree fuchsia)

Growing Kotukutuku

Kotukutuku will grow in a variety of conditions from full sun through to shaded areas and in dry or moist soils, although it does prefer moist, forest like conditions.

Possums find the tree quite tasty so they may need protection if possums are an issue in your area.

The berries can be harvested when they ripen during summer.

Uses

The berries of the Kotukutuku are edible and reportedly taste like grape or tamarillo. They can be eaten fresh or can be made into a jam.

We use the fairly fast growing tree as a pioneer native alongside makomako and manuka, providing shelter for slower growing trees and plenty of food for the local native birds.

Historically it is noted as being hard to burn (see reference here) and with the leathery leaves also being resistant to burning, we will be using these trees in a fire resistant buffer between our house and the forestry block next door.