Copperleaf

This colossal shrub grows up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) tall and lives for around 27 years. It is very susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

It has many slender, straight stems covered in very thick, ridged, copper-coloured bark, and the wood inside is white with black speckles.

The branches trail down to the ground that and are covered with thick bunches of miniature, wispy, leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are generally gold, hardy and soft.

In mid-spring it produces copious amounts of small, blood red blossoms with triangular shaped petals. They are sturdy and have an overpowering scent that smells like rotten meat.

In early autumn tiny pleated fruits ripen. The sticky bright orange skin is thick and inedible, and the crunchy gold flesh is salty and juicy. The slate seeds are tiny and are dotted around on the skin of the fruit.