Twistvine Maple

This small tree grows up to 6 meters (19.7 feet) tall and lives for centuries, with the oldest known specimen being around 321 years old. It is susceptible to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a knobbly, twisting trunk covered in paper-thin, silky, silver and white bark, and inside, the flexible wood is black.

The branches are short stubs and are covered with sparse amounts of leathery, small, very narrow and elongated leaves with serrated edges. The leaves themselves are gentle purple and pastel blue.

In early spring, it produces thousands of medium-sized, blood red blossoms with 6 oval-shaped shaped petals. They are very delicate and have a powerful scent that smells like mango.

In late summer it forms large, red, winged seeds that spin and fall nearby.

The roots grow as a near perfect mirror of the tree above, and overall the tree is sturdy and rigid.

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