Clinging Sicklefruit

This short fruit tree grows up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall and lives for up to 20 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 50 years old. It is very susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

It has a branched, straight trunk covered in thin, silky, brown bark, and inside, the dense wood is pale brown-grey.

The branches are very short and thin and are covered with handfuls of huge, sickle shaped leaves with irregular edges. The leaves themselves are either peach, or red with muted blue zig-zags.

In early spring, it produces thick bunches of tiny, cream blossoms with perforated petals with a trumpet-shaped floral cup. They are sturdy and have an overpowering scent that smells like rich perfume.

In early summer it produces tiny, long, curved fruit. The leathery peach skin is tough and edible when cooked; it is sweet, and the crunchy red flesh is spicy and salty and juicy. The vivid green seeds are large and are located in the centre of the fruit.

The roots spread far and go deep underground, and overall the tree is sturdy and rigid.

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