Blackvine

This massive shrub grows up to 14 feet (4.3 meters) tall and lives for around 17 years. It is very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has numerous long and flexible, curved stems covered in cracked, black bark, and the wood inside is brown.

The branches are long and thick with hundreds of twigs that and are covered with sparse amounts of large, thick, leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are generally black, light and sticky.

In late spring it produces a thick sheet of small, sky blue blossoms with slender, pointed petals with a tube-like floral cup. They are hardy and have a strong scent that smells like pepper.

In late winter tiny circular fruits ripen. The hairy white skin is tough and sour and savoury, and the slightly crunchy olive flesh is sweet and sticky. The green seeds are tiny and are bunched at the bottom of the fruit.