Fuchsia

The name of the plant genus Fuchsia is spelled thus. It is named in honour of Leonhard (or Leonhart) Fuchs 1501–1566), after whose death it was first found and described in the Caribbean (published 1703), by Charles Plumier (1646–1704). The genus contains over 100 species of Fuchsia. Most are tropical or sub-tropical shrubs, natives of South and Central America, with several native to Caribbean or Pacific islands. They are common garden plants.

Guardian 29/9/2011: "In my family, we have a mnemonic for remembering how to spell fuchsia (Corrections, 28 September): it's the only other word in the dictionary that begins with fuc. [See AWE's thoughts at dictionary]

Professor Alan Alexander

Edinburgh"