Copperleaf

This average-sized shrub grows up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall and lives for decades, with the oldest known specimen being around 175 years old. It is very resistant to disease but is susceptible to destructive insect infestation.

It has several knobbly, straight stems covered in thin, waxy, copper-coloured bark, and the wood inside is white.

The branches are short and thick with thousands of twigs that and are covered with large amounts of giant, needle-like, leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are azure and gentle yellow, rigid and smooth.

In early spring it produces copious amounts of small, white blossoms with 9 flame-shaped shaped petals. They are hardy and have an intensely strong scent that smells like vomit.

In midwinter tiny oval fruits ripen. The clammy grey skin is thick and inedible, and the very soft indigo flesh is bitter and very juicy. The caramel seed is large and is in the centre of the fruit.