Silverberry

This modest-sized fruit tree grows up to 11 feet (3.4 meters) tall and lives for up to 35 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 64 years old. It is very susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

It has a stocky, slanted trunk covered in waxy, silver and white bark, and inside, the flexible wood is white with black speckles.

The branches are short stubs and are covered with very large amounts of miniature, long, narrow leaves with jagged edges. The leaves themselves are brown and caramel.

In early spring, it produces a handful of tiny, beige blossoms with spiral shaped petals. They detach easily and have an intense scent that smells like bleach.

In late summer it produces small, wide fruit. The smooth grey skin is tough and inedible, and the soft dark grey flesh is slightly savoury and syrupy. The slate seeds are tiny and are bunched at the top of the fruit.

The roots spread far and go deep underground, and overall the tree is sturdy and rigid.

Forests of this species feature well-spaced trees, with patches of undergrowth between them.