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Copperbell

Shrub type: Deciduous (Grows upwards by clinging to almost any surface.)

This big shrub grows up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall and lives for around 99 years. It is very resistant to disease but is susceptible to destructive insect infestation.

It has many knobbly, wonky stems covered in fine, silky, copper-coloured bark, and the wood inside is black with white speckles.

The branches trail down towards the ground with dozens of twigs that and are covered with large amounts of huge, finger-like, leaves with serrated edges. The leaves themselves are solid peach with indigo patches, robust and clammy.

In mid-spring it produces a thick sheet of tiny, amber blossoms with flame-shaped petals with a bell-shaped floral cup. They detach easily and have a delicate scent that smells like burning wood.

In early autumn spear-shaped fruits ripen. The hairy green skin is thin and spicy, and the slightly crunchy olive flesh is bitter and very dry. The green seeds are small and are located in the centre of the fruit.

It is said to be able to live for hundreds of years.
It is suitable for creating flexible, durable textiles