Clinging Peach

This short fruit tree grows up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall and lives for up to 40 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 71 years old. It is susceptible to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a slender, straight trunk covered in fine, ridged, dark brown bark, and inside, the flexible wood is light brown.

The small handful of branches are long and thick and are covered with thick bunches of small, very narrow and elongated leaves with tattered edges. The leaves themselves are either peach, or purple with crimson streaks.

In early spring, it produces a thick sheet of tiny, peach blossoms with long, tapering petals. They are very delicate and have a delicate scent that smells like mint.

In late autumn it produces tiny, spherical fruit. The clammy ashy red skin is thick and spicy and salty, and the crunchy purple flesh is bland and very juicy. The caramel seed is large and is in the centre of the fruit.

The roots are shallow and grow straight down, and overall the tree is rigid and brittle.

Forests of this species feature trees spaced far apart, with clear space between them.