Knobblefruit Tree

This modest-sized fruit tree grows up to 19 feet (5.8 meters) tall and lives for up to 10 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 34 years old. It is somewhat resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a narrow, angular trunk covered in very thick, knobbly, brown-green speckled bark, and inside, the soft wood is black with white speckles.

The small bunches of branches are very long and slender and are covered with thick bunches of tiny, finger-like leaves with rounded edges. The leaves themselves are vibrant yellow on the edges and olive at the center.

In early spring, it produces many small, bold orange blossoms with many layers of petals with a trumpet-shaped floral cup. They are very delicate and have a powerful scent that smells like fresh linen.

In mid-summer it produces very large, long, narrow fruit. The clammy olive skin is peel-able and edible when cooked; it is sweet and salty, and the soft green flesh is sweet and very dry. The yellow seeds are tiny and are bunched at the bottom of the fruit.

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

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