Copperwood

This short shrub grows up to 1 foot (30.5 cm) tall and lives for around 34 years. It is very resistant to disease but is susceptible to destructive insect infestation.

It has several thick, crooked stems covered in very thick, smooth, brown bark, and the wood inside is copper-coloured.

The branches are long and thick that and are covered with thick bunches of large, pleated, leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are solid lime with green streaks, strong and crispy.

In mid-summer it produces hundreds of medium-sized, green blossoms with 7 triangular shaped petals. They fall easily and have a delicate scent that smells like freshly baked bread.

In early autumn 8 pointed fruits ripen. The smooth bronze skin is thin and edible when cooked; it is sweet and salty, and the crunchy black flesh is spicy and powdery. The blood red seed is large and is in the centre of the fruit.