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Bloodbrush

Shrub type: Coniferous (Grows along the ground or other low surfaces.)

This short shrub grows up to 1 foot (30.5 cm) tall and lives for around 37 years. It is very resistant to disease but is susceptible to destructive insect infestation.

It has numerous branched, curved stems covered in thick, rough, black bark, and the wood inside is black with white speckles.

The branches are short, thin and wispy that and are covered with handfuls of small, long, tapering, leaves with irregular edges. The leaves themselves are blood red and green, sturdy and clammy.

In late spring it produces copious amounts of small, silver blossoms with 5 teardrop-shaped shaped petals. They fall easily and have no scent.

In early winter oval fruits ripen. The fuzzy orange skin is stretchy and edible when boiled; it is salty and sour, and the crunchy washed-out purple flesh is savoury and powdery. The slate seeds are small and are scattered throughout the fruit.

It is difficult to kill and will quickly regrow if cut.
It is suitable for creating tough, hard-wearing textiles