Blackwood Maple

This enormous tree grows up to 118 meters (387.2 feet) tall and lives for centuries, with the oldest known specimen being around 659 years old. It is very susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

It has a wide, wonky trunk covered in thin, waxy, black with white speckled bark, and inside, the very dense wood is white.

The branches are short, rigid and upright and are covered with large amounts of sticky, giant, circular leaves with serrated edges. The leaves themselves are blood red on the edges and red at the center.

In early spring, it produces several medium-sized, lime blossoms with long, narrow petals with a trumpet-shaped floral cup. They fall easily and have a delicate scent that smells like glue.

In late summer it forms giant, subtle purple aril (seeds with fleshy covers).

The roots are shallow and grow straight down, and overall the tree is sturdy and difficult to uproot.

Forests of this species feature trees spaced far apart, with patches of undergrowth between them.