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Blackfruit Tree

Fruit Tree type: Deciduous (Stores water in its stem)

This small fruit tree grows up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and lives for up to 10 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 34 years old. It is somewhat resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a narrow, straight trunk covered in rough, black bark, and inside, the hard wood is black.

The branches are long, thin and wispy and are covered with small bunches of tiny, wide leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are a shade of yellow-green that gradient shifts to washed-out orange at the top.

In early spring, it produces dozens of medium-sized, amber blossoms with teardrop-shaped shaped petals. They are very delicate and have a weak scent that smells like honeysuckle.

In mid-summer it produces small, circular fruit. The crispy lime skin is thin and savoury, and the slightly crunchy caramel flesh is sweet and savoury and syrupy. The grey seeds are tiny and are scattered throughout the fruit.

The roots are long and grow straight down, and overall the tree is sturdy and difficult to uproot.

Forests of this species feature well-spaced trees, with grassy ground between them.

It is almost impossible to grow indoors.
Several parts of the shrub have medicinal properties.
It is suitable for making baskets and the like