Copperleaf

This small shrub grows up to 1 foot (30.5 cm) tall and lives for around 23 years. It is very susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

It has several sturdy, straight stems covered in ridged, light gray bark, and the wood inside is copper-coloured.

The branches are tall, rigid and upright with dozens of twigs that and are covered with very large amounts of huge, thick, leaves with ripped edges. The leaves themselves are either amber or white, with light brown dots, resistant and smooth.

In late summer it produces balls of large, bronze blossoms with asymmetrical petals. They are hardy and have an overpowering scent that smells like old books.

In early winter pleated fruits ripen. The smooth lilac skin is delicate and salty and sour, and the crunchy aquamarine flesh is bitter and syrupy. The yellow seeds are small and are bunched at the bottom of the fruit.