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Slatefruit Tree

Fruit Tree type: Deciduous (Stores water in the thickened base of its stem)

This average-sized fruit tree grows up to 18 feet (5.5 meters) tall and lives for up to 10 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 33 years old. It is very resistant to disease but is susceptible to destructive insect infestation.

It has a wide, straight trunk covered in wrinkled, gray bark, and inside, the medium-dense wood is copper-coloured.

The small handful of branches are short, rigid and upright and are covered with thick bunches of tiny, needle-like leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are either lilac, or slate with azure splotches.

In early spring, it produces thousands of tiny, dark grey blossoms with 4 pointed petals with a bell-shaped floral cup. They are hardy and have a delicate scent that smells like petrol.

In early summer it produces , long, tapering fruit. The clammy caramel skin is delicate and sour, and the very soft slate flesh is sweet and very juicy. The slate seeds are large and are located in the centre of the fruit.

The roots are fine and grow in a large web, and overall the tree is rigid and brittle.

Forests of this species feature trees spaced far apart, with the space between them filled with thick undergrowth.

It has impressive regenerative properties.
It is suitable for creating tough, hard-wearing textiles
It can grow in even the most barren lands.