Purplefruit Tree

This small fruit tree grows up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and lives for up to 30 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 53 years old. It is very resistant to destructive insect infestation but susceptible to disease.

It has a long and flexible, straight trunk covered in very thick, wrinkled, dark brown bark, and inside, the very dense wood is brown.

The tangled mess of branches are long and thin and are covered with large amounts of miniature, asymmetrical leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are found in beige and blue varieties.

In early spring, it produces several small, peach blossoms with circular petals. They detach easily and have an intensely strong scent that smells like vomit.

In mid-summer it produces , wide fruit. The clammy brilliant purple skin is thin and bitter and savoury, and the soft azure flesh is sweet and juicy. The orange seed is large and is in the centre of the fruit.

The roots are shallow and widely spread, and overall the tree is sturdy and difficult to uproot.

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