Clinging Slatefruit Tree

This small fruit tree grows up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall and lives for up to 45 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 81 years old. It is somewhat resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a very thick, curved trunk covered in thin, knobbly, white with black speckled bark, and inside, the soft wood is dark brown.

The numerous branches are tall, rigid and upright and are covered with sparse amounts of small, wispy leaves with tattered edges. The leaves themselves are light brown on the edges and bold purple at the center.

In early spring, it produces thick bunches of large, slate blossoms with slender, pointed petals. They are very delicate and have an overpowering scent that smells like rotting meat.

In mid-summer it produces tiny, broad, flat fruit. The smooth blue skin is thick and edible when roasted; it is sweet and spicy, and the very soft grey flesh is savoury and very dry. The silver seeds are small and are scattered throughout the fruit.

The roots grow as a near perfect mirror of the tree above, and overall the tree is rigid and brittle.

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