It was favoured by Māori who, unusually, gave the fruit its own name of kōnini or māti; it was also eaten by European settlers in jams and puddings.

The Māori name kōtukutuku is derived from tukutuku meaning "to let go" referring to its flaky bark.

It is distinguishable by a noticeably light brown/orange bark, which is extremely thin and paper like, peeling in strips.

Main description of the leaves of this species include slim petioles, the join being approximately 1–4 cm long.

Leaves of Fuchsia excorticata have a smooth epidermis with the exception of the margin and veins.

Flowers are green when young, and turn bright red to pink to purple in colour and often emerge from the main stem.

[5] Berries range to approximately 10 mm long, ellipsoid-oblong shaped, dark purple to almost black in colour.

[11] Local birds such as tūī, bellbirds, kererū, and silvereyes feed on tree fuchsia.

Tūī and kererū eat the flowers and fruit; other birds consume the nectar.

Tree fuchsia can, and has in some locations, been pushed out of its habitat by plant competitors such as banana passionfruit and Buddleia.

Mammalian threats, such as goats, have been known to forage on tree fuchsia, but they do not have as large an effect as possums.

These uses included as a basic foodstuff, in jams, and use by Māori women in vapor baths after childbirth.