Copperfruit

This large fruit tree grows up to 32 feet (9.8 meters) tall and lives for up to 30 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 40 years old. It is very susceptible to disease and insect infestation.

It has a narrow, twisting trunk covered in waxy, yellow-brown bark, and inside, the very light wood is copper-coloured.

The small handful of branches are long, thin and wispy and are covered with handfuls of large, long, narrow leaves with toothed edges. The leaves themselves are solid blood red with lime streaks.

In early spring, it produces thousands of giant, copper blossoms with slender, pointed petals with a tube-like floral cup. They fall easily and have an intensely strong scent that smells like baby powder.

In early summer it produces tiny, long, curved fruit. The rough ashy orange skin is stretchy and edible when cooked; it is very spicy, and the very soft cream flesh is sour and very dry. The red seeds are small 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 difficult to uproot.

Forests of this species feature the trees packed together densely, with the space between them filled with thick undergrowth.