Burgundy Needlebloom

This average-sized shrub grows up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall and lives for around 57 years. It is somewhat resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has numerous long and flexible, twisting stems covered in very thick, cracked, burgundy and brown bark, and the wood inside is black with white speckles.

The branches are short, rigid and upright with hundreds of twigs that and are covered with handfuls of tiny, needle-like, leaves with rounded edges. The leaves themselves are either lilac or grey, with dull purple patches, flexible and covered in fine hairs.

In late spring it produces several medium-sized, bronze blossoms with stiff, pointed petals with a tube-like floral cup. They are hardy and have a mildly strong scent that smells like pineapple.

In mid-autumn tiny pleated fruits ripen. The smooth turquoise skin is peel-able and sweet, and the slightly crunchy indigo flesh is spicy and juicy. The gold seeds are tiny and are scattered throughout the fruit.