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Clinging Coffeeberry

Fruit Tree type: Deciduous (Grows upwards by clinging to almost any surface.)

This small fruit tree grows up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall and lives for up to 35 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 39 years old. It is susceptible to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a sturdy, wonky trunk covered in silky, brown bark, and inside, the soft wood is burgundy-brown.

The abundance of branches are very long and slender and are covered with sparse amounts of huge, needle-like leaves with wavy edges. The leaves themselves are solid black with washed-out blue streaks.

In early spring, it produces a handful of giant, brown blossoms with finger-like petals. They are very delicate and have a scent that varies in strength that smells like coffee.

In early winter it produces tiny, needle-like fruit. The smooth hazel skin is stretchy and edible when roasted; it is bitter, and the very soft blood red flesh is salty and very juicy. The caramel seed is very large and sits at the end of the fruit.

The roots are shallow and widely spread, and overall the tree is sturdy and difficult to uproot.

Forests of this species feature the trees packed together, with the space between them filled with thick undergrowth.

It aggressively steals nutrients from other large plants (but not each other).
It can flourish even in standing water.
It is suitable for making baskets and the like