Crimson Pineblossom

This short shrub grows up to 1 foot (30.5 cm) tall and lives for decades, with the oldest known specimen being around 113 years old. It is susceptible to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has many branched, straight stems covered in waxy, pine-coloured bark, and the wood inside is dark brown.

The branches are long and thin that and are covered with copious amounts of huge, pleated, leaves with wavy edges. The leaves themselves are generally slate, delicate and crispy.

In late spring it produces large amounts of giant, crimson blossoms with asymmetrical petals with a tube-like floral cup. They are hardy and have a strong scent that smells like old books.

In late autumn broad, flat fruits ripen. The crispy sky blue skin is thick and edible when roasted; it is very savoury, and the very soft beige flesh is sweet and powdery. The olive seeds are large and are scattered throughout the fruit.