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Copperleaf

Shrub type: Deciduous (Stores water in its stem)

This modest-sized shrub grows up to 2 feet (61.0 cm) tall and lives for decades, with the oldest known specimen being around 151 years old. It is very susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

It has many long and flexible, straight stems covered in delicate, ridged, copper-coloured bark, and the wood inside is burgundy.

The branches are short stubs with hundreds of twigs that and are covered with large amounts of tiny, stiff, pointed, leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are beige on the edges and slate at the center, sturdy and smooth.

In late spring it produces hundreds of tiny, silver blossoms with asymmetrical petals with a tube-like floral cup. They fall easily and have a scent that varies in strength that smells like mint.

In early autumn small perforated fruits ripen. The waxy gold skin is tough and extremely sweet, and the very soft cyan flesh is sweet and syrupy. The brown seeds are small and are located in the centre of the fruit.

It is suitable for creating tough, hard-wearing textiles
It makes a distinctive sound when the wind blows through it.