Blackstem

This enormous shrub grows up to 11 feet (3.4 meters) tall and lives for around 49 years. It is susceptible to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has several sturdy, straight stems covered in paper-thin, smooth, black bark, and the wood inside is black.

The branches are long and thin that and are covered with large amounts of giant, long, tapering, leaves with rounded edges. The leaves themselves are green and gentle purple, frail and fuzzy.

In late spring it produces handfuls of medium-sized, blood red flowers with spear shaped petals. They are sturdy and have an intensely strong scent that smells like warm milk.