Copperberry

This short 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 53 years old. It is susceptible to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a narrow, straight trunk covered in knobbly, light brown bark, and inside, the flexible wood is brown.

The extensive patches of branches trail down across the ground and are covered with small bunches of miniature, heart-shaped leaves with wavy edges. The leaves themselves are either copper, or azure with hazel patches.

In early spring, it produces several small, white blossoms with needle-like petals. They are hardy and have a fairly strong scent that smells like freshly baked bread.

In early summer it produces tiny, needle-like fruit. The smooth brown skin is stretchy and edible when roasted; it is sweet and savoury, and the very soft azure flesh is sweet and very dry. The beige seed is very large and sits at the end of the fruit.

The roots form a tightly packed ball, and overall the tree is sturdy and difficult to uproot.

Forests of this species feature the trees packed together densely, with the space between them filled with thick undergrowth.