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Copperwood

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

This small shrub grows up to 1 foot (30.5 cm) tall and lives for decades, with the oldest known specimen being around 125 years old. It is somewhat resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has several thick, straight stems covered in very thick, knobbly, copper-coloured bark, and the wood inside is burgundy.

The branches are tall, rigid and upright with dozens of twigs that and are covered with very large amounts of huge, very thin, leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are generally light grey, flimsy and soft.

It produces balls of tiny, white flowers with umbrella-shaped petals with a bell-shaped floral cup. They are very delicate and have no scent. In midwinter it forms tinysilver, winged seeds that spin and fall nearby.

The colour changes depends on whether the soil is acidic or alkaline.
It is very resistant to fire damage.
It is suitable for use as a construction material