Caramelberry

This short fruit tree grows up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall and lives for up to 20 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 31 years old. It is very resistant to destructive insect infestation but susceptible to disease.

It has a long and flexible, wonky trunk covered in delicate, cracked, dark green bark, and inside, the dense wood is dark brown.

The branches are tall, rigid and upright and are covered with thick bunches of huge, sickle shaped leaves with serrated edges. The leaves themselves are caramel on the edges and black at the center.

In early spring, it produces lots of medium-sized, white blossoms with pleated petals with a tube-like floral cup. They are very delicate and have a delicate scent that smells like cherry.

In mid-summer it produces very large, pleated fruit. The rough dark grey skin is stretchy and edible when roasted; it is spicy, and the soft pink flesh is sweet and savoury and juicy. The vivid red seed is large and is in the centre of the fruit.

The roots are shallow and grow straight down, and overall the tree is sturdy and difficult to uproot.

Forests of this species feature trees spaced far apart, with patches of undergrowth between them.