Orangefruit Tree

This modest-sized fruit tree grows up to 10 feet (3.0 meters) tall and lives for up to 25 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 58 years old. It is very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a thick, straight trunk covered in ridged, brown-green speckled bark, and inside, the dense wood is pine-coloured.

The thin clumps of branches trail down to the ground and are covered with small bunches of miniature, broad, flat leaves with irregular edges. The leaves themselves are solid orange with sky blue edges.

In early spring, it produces handfuls of large, cream blossoms with circular petals with a trumpet-shaped floral cup. They are hardy and have a weak scent that smells like soap.

In late summer it produces tiny, needle-like fruit. The hairy azure skin is peel-able and inedible, and the very soft pastel purple flesh is savoury and very juicy. The red seed is large and sits at the end of the fruit.

The roots spread far and go deep underground, and overall the tree is rigid and weak, and breaks apart easily.

Forests of this species feature well-spaced trees, with grassy ground between them.