Knobblefruit Tree

This modest-sized fruit tree grows up to 20 feet (6.1 meters) tall and lives for up to 15 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 21 years old. It is very resistant to disease but is susceptible to destructive insect infestation.

It has a knobbly, wonky trunk covered in rough, mahogany-coloured bark, and inside, the very light wood is pale brown-grey.

The abundance of branches are short, rigid and upright and are covered with large amounts of small, long, tapering leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are solid dark grey with gold edges.

In early spring, it produces a handful of medium-sized, lime blossoms with triangular shaped petals. They are hardy and have a weak scent that smells like musk.

In late autumn it produces , long, tapering fruit. The rubbery cream skin is delicate and edible when cooked; it is sweet and savoury, and the very soft gold flesh is sour and dry. The white seeds are large and are scattered throughout 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 well-spaced trees, with patches of undergrowth between them.