The majority of the Fuchsia species grow in the wild within South America on the western slopes of the Andes in the cloud forest. However, they grow as far, from what we know, as south as the Magellan Straits and as far north as Central Mexico. The remainder is found in New Zealand and Tahiti due to the special habitat the Fuchsia plant requires to be able to fully function and flourish. There may be others on the island of Cuba but it has not been possible to arrange an expedition their due to the current dangers and issue surrounding the area. Another dangerous area is Colombia and most of the known species, not in cultivation, are found there. One species has been found on the south-east coast of South Africa in the unspoiled Knysna forest, a rare species in fact and one that was ultimately found because of an error in the path the team were taking, not so much of an error when you look back. There has been plenty of speculation over the recent years as to whether this Fuchsia is indigenous or was transported by 18th or 19th-century sailors from Brazil on one of their round tips through South Africa. Either way, we are thankful that we were able to find such a beautiful species of Fuchsia in such fittingly gorgeous location.
The following are maps showing the location of Fuchsia habitats which I have just discussed in this post: (Click the images to enlarge)
Here below are some more interesting images of the types of Fuchsia habitats which have been located and provided by Eileen Waters and Jean-Luc Marcenac – special thanks to these two for doing such a wonderful job and allowing use to use their photos on our site!