Crimsonberry

This huge shrub grows up to 10 feet (3.0 meters) tall and lives for around 26 years. It is very resistant to disease but is susceptible to destructive insect infestation.

It has several wide, twisting stems covered in paper-thin, waxy, gray bark, and the wood inside is black with white speckles.

The branches are short, rigid and upright with dozens of twigs that and are covered with thick bunches of giant, spear shaped, leaves with tattered edges. The leaves themselves are either bold purple or red, with azure patches, flimsy and smooth.

In early spring it produces handfuls of giant, crimson blossoms with 9 teardrop-shaped shaped petals. They are very delicate and have a faint scent that smells like rotting meat.

In mid-autumn tiny wide fruits ripen. The crispy orange skin is thin and inedible, and the very soft olive flesh is sour and syrupy. The dark green seeds are large and are located in the centre of the fruit.