Clinging Conifer

This small shrub grows up to 1 foot (30.5 cm) tall and lives for around 35 years. It is very resistant to disease but is susceptible to destructive insect infestation.

It has dozens of branched, curved stems covered in smooth, light brown bark, and the wood inside is light brown.

The branches are long and thick with thousands of twigs that and are covered with small bunches of giant, long, tapering, leaves with toothed edges. The leaves themselves are either pastel yellow, or white with gold dots, flimsy and crispy.

In late spring it produces a handful of tiny, blue blossoms with flame-shaped shaped petals. They are hardy and have a delicate scent that smells like blood.

In early winter slender, 6 pointed fruits ripen. The soft slate skin is thick and edible when roasted; it is sour and savoury, and the crunchy white flesh is savoury and oily. The brown seeds are large and are located in the centre of the fruit.