Clinging Silverfruit

This small fruit tree grows up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall and lives for up to 20 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 65 years old. It is somewhat resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a wide, straight trunk covered in wrinkled, silver bark, and inside, the very light wood is dark brown.

The branches trail down towards the ground and are covered with large amounts of small, finger-like leaves with wavy edges. The leaves themselves are orange on the sides and blue at the center.

In early spring, it produces a thick sheet of tiny, white blossoms with long, narrow petals. They detach easily and have a delicate scent that smells like cigarette smoke.

In late summer it produces small, 4 pointed fruit. The hairy deep blue skin is thin and edible when roasted; it is sweet and savoury, and the slightly crunchy orange flesh is savoury and very dry. The dark brown seeds are large and are scattered throughout the fruit.

The roots form a tightly packed ball, and overall the tree is sturdy and difficult to uproot.

Forests of this species feature well-spaced trees, with grassy ground between them.