<previous next>

Copper

Fruit Tree type: Deciduous (Grows upwards by clinging to almost any surface.)

This short fruit tree grows up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and lives for up to 45 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 47 years old. It is susceptible to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a knobbly, wonky trunk covered in fine, ridged, brown-green speckled bark, and inside, the light wood is copper-coloured.

The branches trail down towards the ground and are covered with handfuls of huge, oval-shaped leaves with irregular edges. The leaves themselves are either dark grey or florescent red, with turquoise lines.

In early spring, it produces handfuls of giant, purple blossoms with needle-like petals with a bell-shaped floral cup. They fall easily and have a weak scent that smells like old books.

In mid-autumn it produces , wide fruit. The rubbery slate skin is peel-able and edible when roasted; it is overwhelmingly bitter, and the very soft blood red flesh is salty and very juicy. The bronze seeds are tiny and are located in the centre of the fruit.

The roots are shallow and grow straight down, and overall the tree is sturdy and rigid.

Forests of this species feature the trees packed together densely, with grassy ground between them.

The colour changes depends on whether the soil is acidic or alkaline.
It comes in 50 varieties.
The leaves have medicinal properties.
It is suitable for making baskets and the like
It is possible to grow it from cuttings.