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Hydrangea Cactus

Fruit Tree type: Deciduous (Stores water in its leaves)

This large fruit tree grows up to 40 feet (12.2 meters) tall and lives for up to 35 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 38 years old. It is somewhat resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a branched, straight trunk covered in thin, silky, burgundy and brown bark, and inside, the flexible wood is black.

The branches are short and thick and are covered with small bunches of giant, 6 pointed leaves with rounded edges. The leaves themselves are hazel with pastel purple tips.

In early spring, it produces many small, green blossoms with 2 triangular shaped petals. They detach easily and have a weak scent that smells like fish.

In mid-autumn it produces tiny, finger-like fruit. The smooth indigo skin is delicate and sour, and the crunchy crimson flesh is savoury and juicy. The black seeds are small and are bunched at the top of the fruit.

The roots are thick and spread across the surface, as well as underground, and overall the tree is rigid and weak, and breaks apart easily.

Forests of this species feature well-spaced trees, with the space between them filled with thick undergrowth.

It is suitable for creating flexible, durable textiles
Several parts of the cactus have medicinal properties.