Copperberry

This small fruit tree grows up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall and lives for up to 25 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 43 years old. It is not very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a flexible, straight trunk covered in delicate, waxy, mahogany-coloured bark, and inside, the light wood is burgundy-brown.

The branches are short and slender and are covered with handfuls of giant, thick leaves with wavy edges. The leaves themselves are solid intense purple or copper, with cream zig-zags.

In early spring, it produces thousands of tiny, dark brown blossoms with 8 heart-shaped shaped petals. They are sturdy and have a weak scent that smells like alcohol.

In mid-summer it produces , circular fruit. The smooth grey skin is peel-able and sweet and spicy, and the crunchy faded orange flesh is slightly spicy and powdery. The gentle red seed is very large and is in the centre of the fruit.

The roots are shallow and widely spread, and overall the tree is rigid and brittle.

Forests of this species feature the trees packed together, with clear space between them.