Fuchsia colensoi--Tree Fuchia

The buds and flowers on the bush sprout directly from the main branches in Fuchsia colensoi, which is blooming now at the UC Botanical Garden. This is called "Cauliflory." Usually flowers emerge from new growth or young leafy twigs. Some plants use this method to make the flowers more accessible to pollinators and seed dispersers. Sometimes the insects and fruit eaters just can't find the flowers and fruit in the dense leafy canopy. So the plants present their reproductive organs in an obvious way, instead of keeping hiding them in the foliage. Sometimes it doesn't make sense to keep privates private!