Bloodvine

This big shrub grows up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and lives for around 47 years. It is very susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

It has several flexible, twisting stems covered in paper-thin, smooth, burgundy bark, and the wood inside is pale brown-grey.

The branches trail down to the ground that and are covered with copious amounts of giant, perforated, leaves with ripped edges. The leaves themselves are solid black or blood red, with bright green patches, light and clammy.

In early summer it produces lots of medium-sized, azure blossoms with triangular shaped petals. They are sturdy and have a soft scent that smells like garlic.

In late autumn large oblong fruits ripen. The fuzzy purple skin is delicate and edible when cooked; it is extremely savoury, and the slightly crunchy pink flesh is spicy and powdery. The brilliant orange seed is small and sits at the end of the fruit.