Clinging Crimsonfern

This modest-sized shrub grows up to 2 feet (61.0 cm) tall and lives for around 91 years. It is very resistant to disease but is susceptible to destructive insect infestation.

It has numerous narrow, slanted stems covered in cracked, light brown bark, and the wood inside is brown.

The branches are very long and slender that and are covered with small amounts of large, broad, flat, leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are blood red on the sides and white at the center, frail and waxy.

In late spring it produces dozens of tiny, florescent purple blossoms with crescent-shaped petals. They detach easily and have a soft scent that smells like warm milk.

In mid-autumn perforated fruits ripen. The waxy lime skin is peel-able and edible when boiled; it is spicy and savoury, and the crunchy blood red flesh is sour and very dry. The green seeds are large and are located in the centre of the fruit.