Copperpine

This colossal shrub grows up to 13 feet (4.0 meters) tall and lives for around 13 years. It is very resistant to disease but is susceptible to destructive insect infestation.

It has numerous branched, curved stems covered in wrinkled, pine-coloured bark, and the wood inside is copper-coloured.

The branches are very long and thin with dozens of twigs that and are covered with large amounts of large, stiff, pointed, leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are generally dark grey, tough and smooth.

In early summer it produces large amounts of medium-sized, green blossoms with wide petals. They are hardy and have a strong scent that smells like a damp log.

In early winter tiny long, narrow fruits ripen. The sticky green skin is thin and edible when roasted; it is sweet and spicy, and the slightly crunchy vibrant red flesh is savoury and very dry. The dark grey seed is large and is in the centre of the fruit.