Bronzeberry

This big fruit tree grows up to 45 feet (13.7 meters) tall and lives for up to 10 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 29 years old. It is susceptible to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a branched, slanted trunk covered in knobbly, brown and grey bark, and inside, the very dense wood is mahogany-coloured.

The abundance of branches are tall, rigid and upright and are covered with large amounts of tiny, sickle shaped leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are solid bronze with muted red patches.

In early spring, it produces handfuls of small, azure blossoms with finger-like petals with a trumpet-shaped floral cup. They detach easily and have the faintest scent that smells like varnish.

In early autumn it produces small, long, tapering fruit. The crispy green skin is thick and edible when cooked; it is spicy, and the slightly crunchy black flesh is salty and sour and sticky. The yellow seed is very large and sits at the top of the fruit.

The roots are shallow and widely spread, and overall the tree is sturdy and difficult to uproot.

Forests of this species feature the trees packed together, with the space between filled with undergrowth.