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Bloodfruit Tree

Fruit Tree type: Deciduous (Stores water in the thickened base of its stem)

This average-sized fruit tree grows up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) tall and lives for up to 20 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 46 years old. It is very resistant to disease but is susceptible to destructive insect infestation.

It has a sturdy, twisting trunk covered in waxy, brown-green bark, and inside, the very hard wood is light brown.

The branches are short, rigid and upright and are covered with small bunches of tiny, broad, flat leaves with rounded edges. The leaves themselves are generally blood red.

In early spring, it produces lots of medium-sized, pink blossoms with perforated petals. They detach easily and have a powerful scent that smells like alcohol.

In late summer it produces tiny, 8 pointed fruit. The hairy blood red skin is delicate and edible when cooked; it is sweet, and the soft bold red flesh is bitter and salty and very dry. The vivid yellow seed is very large and sits at the end of the fruit.

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

Forests of this species feature well-spaced trees, with clear space between them.

It is suitable for creating tough, hard-wearing textiles
It out-competes most other plants for nutrients and light.