Blackberry

This small fruit tree grows up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall and lives for up to 10 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 23 years old. It is very susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

It has a long and flexible, straight trunk covered in fine, wrinkled, yellow-brown bark, and inside, the hard wood is black with white speckles.

The numerous branches are short, rigid and upright and are covered with handfuls of small, fan-like leaves with serrated edges. The leaves themselves are dark brown and black.

In early spring, it produces lots of tiny, orange blossoms with wide petals. They fall easily and have an overpowering scent that smells like cheap aftershave.

In late summer it produces , long, curved fruit. The smooth green skin is tough and edible when boiled; it is bitter and spicy, and the slightly crunchy olive flesh is sour and syrupy. The hazel seed is large and is in the centre of the fruit.

The roots are thick and spread across the surface, as well as underground, and overall the tree is sturdy and rigid.

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