Goldenberry Tree

This small fruit tree grows up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and lives for up to 15 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 16 years old. It is very resistant to disease but is susceptible to destructive insect infestation.

It has a sturdy, angular trunk covered in thin, silky, dark brown bark, and inside, the very light wood is brown.

The branches are very long and thin and are covered with thick bunches of huge, wide leaves with toothed edges. The leaves themselves are magenta and cream.

In early spring, it produces thousands of giant, olive blossoms with spear shaped petals with a trumpet-shaped floral cup. They are hardy and have a scent that varies in strength that smells like vanilla.

In early winter it produces small, oval fruit. The smooth gold skin is tough and edible when roasted; it is bitter, and the soft pink flesh is savoury and powdery. The brown seeds are large and are scattered throughout the fruit.

The roots are shallow and widely spread, and overall the tree is sturdy, flexible, and difficult to uproot or break.

Forests of this species feature well-spaced trees, with patches of undergrowth between them.