Clinging Silverbark

This giant shrub grows up to 10 feet (3.0 meters) tall and lives for decades, with the oldest known specimen being around 157 years old. It is very susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

It has dozens of branched, straight stems covered in hard, silky, silver and white bark, and the wood inside is black.

The branches are very short, thin and wispy that and are covered with copious amounts of giant, thick, leaves with wavy edges. The leaves themselves are found in pastel purple, beige and indigo varieties, sturdy and clammy.

In late spring it produces a thick sheet of medium-sized, lime blossoms with broad, flat petals. They are hardy and have a delicate scent that smells like cotton.

In early winter tiny needle-like fruits ripen. The fuzzy caramel skin is stretchy and sweet and spicy, and the crunchy muted orange flesh is sour and oily. The grey seeds are small and are scattered throughout the fruit.