Copperfruit Tree

This modest-sized fruit tree grows up to 16 feet (4.9 meters) tall and lives for up to 20 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 46 years old. It is very resistant to destructive insect infestation but susceptible to disease.

It has a thick, straight trunk covered in wrinkled, copper-coloured bark, and inside, the very hard wood is dark brown.

The branches are short, rigid and upright and are covered with copious amounts of tiny, long, narrow leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are found in drab orange, copper and bronze varieties.

In early spring, it produces large amounts of small, pink blossoms with 5 circular shaped petals. They are sturdy and have the faintest scent that smells like cheap aftershave.

In early summer it produces tiny, stiff, pointed fruit. The rubbery dark grey skin is peel-able and edible when roasted; it is spicy, and the soft aquamarine flesh is sour and dry. The bronze seed is small and sits at the top of the fruit.

The roots spread far and go deep underground, and overall the tree is sturdy, flexible, and difficult to uproot or break.

Forests of this species feature trees spaced far apart, with the space between filled with undergrowth.