Twining Violetbrush

This short shrub grows up to 1 foot (30.5 cm) tall and lives for around 49 years. It is susceptible to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has numerous long and flexible, straight stems covered in silky, brown-green bark, and the wood inside is dark brown.

The branches trail down towards the ground that and are covered with copious amounts of huge, asymmetrical, leaves with tattered edges. The leaves themselves are bronze at the bottom and violet with purple patches at the top, resistant and clammy.

In early spring it produces lots of medium-sized, crimson blossoms with oblong petals. They fall easily and have an intensely strong scent that smells like fish.

In mid-autumn 3 pointed fruits ripen. The rubbery beige skin is delicate and edible when boiled; it is extremely sour, and the soft yellow flesh is savoury and very juicy. The yellow seed is tiny and sits at the top of the fruit.