Copperfruit

This large fruit tree grows up to 42 feet (12.8 meters) tall and lives for up to 15 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 33 years old. It is very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a flexible, angular trunk covered in thick, waxy, copper-coloured bark, and inside, the dense wood is pine-coloured.

The thick clumps of branches are short stubs and are covered with large amounts of miniature, needle-like leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are found in cream and amber varieties.

In early spring, it produces a thick sheet of giant, crimson blossoms with sickle shaped petals with a trumpet-shaped floral cup. They are sturdy and have a strong scent that smells like onion.

In early summer it produces tiny, fan-like fruit. The waxy yellow skin is peel-able and inedible, and the very soft blood red flesh is sweet and spicy and oily. The grey seeds are small and are located in the centre of the fruit.

The roots are shallow and widely spread, and overall the tree is sturdy and difficult to uproot.

Forests of this species feature well-spaced trees, with the space between filled with undergrowth.