Fuchsia ravenii, 20 seeds

Encliandras Fuchsias originate from the high areas of the tropical rain forests in Central America. These are usually characterized by small flowers and have 4 stamens protruding beyond the rim of the tube instead of the usual 8 as per other Fuchsias. If you are a Fuchsia collector and have not yet looked into the species, here is one Encliandra that would merit a place in your garden. Fuchsia ravenii is a hardy, rare and beautiful perennial from Oxaca, Mexico that bears flowers of a familiar shape, but in a distinctly unfamiliar setting. Very different from the large, blousy flowers of the popular hybrids, it carries an abundance of small, cutie-pie, magenta pink blooms with red stamens. Upon pollination, the blossoms turn into attractive, small, blackish-purple berries. The pointed tip foliage is slightly bigger than that of F. microphylla (also use the foliage to differentiate it with F. thymifolia) but still perfectly in proportion to the blooms and berries. Such daintiness makes this plant a perfect subjet for bonsai, although if grown as a taller shrub, it would also be a highlight in any garden. Hardy from zone 7 upwards. 4 feet tall and wide. Light shade. Moist, rich soil. Very rare seeds, harvested 01/2011 & 04/2011.

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