Copper-colored

This large shrub grows up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall and lives for decades, with the oldest known specimen being around 111 years old. It is susceptible to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has numerous knobbly, crooked stems covered in ridged, black with white speckled bark, and the wood inside is copper-coloured.

The branches are long, thin and wispy with dozens of twigs that and are covered with thick bunches of tiny, very thick, leaves with tattered edges. The leaves themselves are solid beige or slate, with orange streaks, sturdy and smooth.

In early spring it produces clusters of giant, cream blossoms with many layers of petals. They detach easily and have a delicate scent that smells like coffee.

In late winter small long, narrow fruits ripen. The smooth grey skin is stretchy and edible when cooked; it is bitter and sour, and the slightly crunchy sky blue flesh is spicy and sticky. The grey seed is small and is in the centre of the fruit.