Copperbark Fruit Tree

This large fruit tree grows up to 32 feet (9.8 meters) tall and lives for up to 30 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 82 years old. It is susceptible to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a stocky, straight trunk covered in thick, knobbly, copper-coloured bark, and inside, the very hard wood is pale brown-grey.

The numerous branches are tall, rigid and upright and are covered with large amounts of giant, needle-like leaves with serrated edges. The leaves themselves are hazel and orange.

In early spring, it produces copious amounts of giant, indigo blossoms with 2 pointed petals with a bell-shaped floral cup. They are hardy and have an overpowering scent that smells like lavender.

In early winter it produces small, broad, flat fruit. The rough aquamarine skin is tough and edible when roasted; it is sweet and spicy, and the slightly crunchy red flesh is bland and very juicy. The beige seed is tiny 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, with the space between filled with undergrowth.