Copperleaf Tree

This short fruit tree grows up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall and lives for up to 10 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 32 years old. It is susceptible to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a slender, curved trunk covered in thin, silky, dark brown bark, and inside, the very light wood is brown.

The branches are very short and thin and are covered with handfuls of huge, asymmetrical leaves with jagged edges. The leaves themselves are copper and black.

In early spring, it produces lots of large, violet blossoms with needle-like petals. They are sturdy and have a strong scent that smells like damp.

In mid-summer it produces tiny, long, tapering fruit. The waxy copper skin is thin and edible when cooked; it is sweet, and the soft white flesh is bitter and sour and oily. The caramel seeds are small and are scattered throughout 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.