Bloodfruit Tree

This modest-sized fruit tree grows up to 14 feet (4.3 meters) tall and lives for up to 35 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 69 years old. It is very susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

It has a branched, twisting trunk covered in very thick, knobbly, burgundy bark, and inside, the light wood is gray.

The numerous branches trail down across the ground and are covered with small amounts of large, circular leaves with toothed edges. The leaves themselves are solid white with muted orange edges.

In early spring, it produces a thick sheet of small, blood red blossoms with kidney-shaped shaped petals. They are hardy and have a scent whose strength depends on external factors, such as soil quality and rain frequency that smells like glue.

In early summer it produces small, long, straight fruit. The smooth caramel skin is thin and extremely bitter, and the crunchy brown flesh is bitter and savoury and sticky. The green seeds are tiny and are bunched at the top of the fruit.

The roots form a tightly packed ball, and overall the tree is rigid and brittle.

Forests of this species feature well-spaced trees, with the space between filled with undergrowth.