Family: Onagraceae

Origin, Description & Uses:
Fuchsia boliviana, commonly known as Bolivian fuchsia, is native to the cloud forests of Central and South America. It is a fast-growing, shrub-like plant or small tree that can reach up to 10–15 feet tall, with large, soft leaves and striking clusters of long, pendulous red flowers followed by dark purple fruits. These showy blooms make it a popular ornamental in tropical and subtropical gardens, where it is often planted for its dramatic appearance and ability to attract birds such as hummingbirds.

Risks & Threats:
Bolivian fuchsia is naturalized on Kauaʻi and possesses traits that are cause for concern, including rapid growth, prolific seed production, and the ability to spread into disturbed and natural forest areas. Its fruits are readily dispersed by birds, allowing it to establish beyond cultivated settings and potentially outcompete native vegetation. In tropical island ecosystems like Hawaiʻi, where native species are especially vulnerable, this plant could contribute to habitat degradation and loss of biodiversity. Because of these risks, it is recommended to avoid planting Fuchsia boliviana and instead choose a low-risk or native alternative better suited to protecting Hawaiʻi’s unique ecosystems.

High Risk Traits:

• Elevation range exceeds 1000 m, demonstrating environmental versatility
  
• Grows in upper elevation tropical climates
  
• Naturalized on Kauai island, Colombia, Venezuela, Jamaica, Java, Reunion, India, New Zealand and a number of other countries
  
• Environmental weed in New Zealand
  
• Fuchsia magellanica has become invasive
  
• Shade-tolerant
  
• Tolerates many soil types
  
• Forms dense thickets
  
• Reproduces by seeds
  
• Self-compatible
  
• Reproduces vegetatively by sucker growth or rooting from broken or cut stems
  
• Seeds dispersed by birds and intentionally by people

Low Risk Traits:

• Unarmed (no spines, thorns or burrs)
  
• No reports of toxicity
  
• Ornamental