Copperleaf Tree

This average-sized fruit tree grows up to 11 feet (3.4 meters) tall and lives for up to 30 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 80 years old. It is not very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a sturdy, straight trunk covered in silky, copper-coloured bark, and inside, the flexible wood is black with white speckles.

The large clumps of branches trail down towards the ground and are covered with small bunches of small, long, tapering leaves with tattered edges. The leaves themselves are solid peach with bronze lines.

In early spring, it produces thousands of tiny, blue blossoms with 3 pointed petals with a trumpet-shaped floral cup. They detach easily and have a weak scent that smells like varnish.

In early winter it produces very large, wide fruit. The leathery yellow skin is thick and inedible, and the slightly crunchy red flesh is salty and powdery. The dark brown seed is small and sits 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 the trees packed together densely, with patches of undergrowth between them.