Violetberry

This small fruit tree grows up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall and lives for up to 10 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 23 years old. It is not very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a flexible, crooked trunk covered in hard, rough, white with black speckled bark, and inside, the soft wood is copper-coloured.

The branches are very short and slender and are covered with handfuls of small, long, tapering leaves with tattered edges. The leaves themselves are solid purple or peach, with slate zig-zags.

In early spring, it produces several medium-sized, cream blossoms with pleated petals with a tube-like floral cup. They are very delicate and have a weak scent that smells like soap.

In early summer it produces tiny, perforated fruit. The fuzzy violet skin is thick and sour, and the crunchy brown flesh is sweet and bitter and oily. The white seeds are large and are dotted around on the skin of the fruit.

The roots are fine and grow in a large web, and overall the tree is sturdy and difficult to uproot.

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