Copperleaf Tree

This modest-sized fruit tree grows up to 14 feet (4.3 meters) tall and lives for up to 20 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 50 years old. It is not very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a slender, straight trunk covered in delicate, wrinkled, black with white speckled bark, and inside, the dense wood is white with black speckles.

The sparse amount of branches are tall, rigid and upright and are covered with handfuls of giant, perforated leaves with toothed edges. The leaves themselves are copper with turquoise tips.

In early spring, it produces a handful of large, blood red blossoms with circular shaped petals. They detach easily and have the faintest scent that smells like burning wood.

In early winter it produces tiny, stiff, pointed fruit. The rough lilac skin is stretchy and edible when cooked; it is slightly bitter, and the soft peach flesh is bitter and very dry. The slate seed is very large and sits at the end of the fruit.

The roots form a tightly packed ball, and overall the tree is sturdy, flexible, and difficult to uproot or break.

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