Clinging Bellflower

This small shrub grows up to 1 foot (30.5 cm) tall and lives for around 33 years. It is very susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

It has many sturdy, straight stems covered in paper-thin, waxy, brown bark, and the wood inside is gray.

The branches are short and thin with dozens of twigs that and are covered with copious amounts of miniature, perforated, leaves with ripped edges. The leaves themselves are solid dull orange with beige splotches, light and smooth.

In late summer it produces many giant, sky blue blossoms with needle-like petals with a bell-shaped floral cup. They are hardy and have a weak scent that smells like new carpet.

In early winter very large wide fruits ripen. The hairy purple skin is thick and edible when cooked; it is spicy and salty, and the slightly crunchy orange flesh is savoury and juicy. The gold seeds are small and are scattered throughout the fruit.