Copperberry

This average-sized fruit tree grows up to 12 feet (3.7 meters) tall and lives for up to 15 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 23 years old. It is not very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a sturdy, straight trunk covered in smooth, brown bark, and inside, the flexible wood is mahogany-coloured.

The branches are tall, rigid and upright and are covered with large amounts of tiny, very narrow and elongated leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are orange at the bottom and copper with black edges at the top.

In early spring, it produces many clusters of small, deep purple blossoms with 8 teardrop-shaped shaped petals. They are hardy and have an intensely strong scent that smells like paint.

In late summer it produces tiny, 9 pointed fruit. The clammy magenta skin is thin and edible when roasted; it is salty, and the slightly crunchy brown flesh is bitter and juicy. The blood red seed is small and sits at the end of the fruit.

The roots are fine and grow in a large web, and overall the tree is rigid and brittle.

Forests of this species feature well-spaced trees, with the space between them filled with thick undergrowth.