Provenance variation in fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata) in relation to palatability to possums

Fuchsia (Fuchsia excorticata) has been heavily browsed and often killed by brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) in many New Zealand indigenous fo rests, but remains healthy at some sites despite long histories of possum o ccupation. To determine whether fuchsia varied genetically in its palatabil ity to possums, material from six widely dispersed stands (provenances) was propagated, and leaf chemistry, leaf morphology, growth rate, and palatabi lity to captive possums was compared. Leaf specific gravity, nitrogen, and phosphorous levels in field-collected foliage varied between palatable and apparently unpalatable provenances of fuchsia. However, these variables, an d palatability to captive possums, were similar in propagated material from all provenances. To test the hypothesis that selective browsing had elimin ated the more palatable or susceptible genotypes at sites where possums hav e been present for long periods. we tested the relationship between variati on within provenances of measured variables and length of possum occupation at each site, but no significant relationships were found. These results s uggest that phenotypic or situational differences rather than genetic varia tion between the six provenances may help explain observed regional differe nces in fuchsia health.