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Indigo Fruit Tree

Fruit Tree type: Deciduous (Stores water in its leaves)

This short fruit tree grows up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall and lives for up to 15 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 28 years old. It is somewhat resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a thick, straight trunk covered in waxy, burgundy and brown bark, and inside, the dense wood is black.

The excessive amount of branches are short stubs and are covered with copious amounts of huge, very narrow and elongated leaves with tattered edges. The leaves themselves are solid indigo or orange, with blood red edges.

In early spring, it produces several small, black blossoms with finger-like petals with a tube-like floral cup. They are sturdy and have a faint scent that smells like meat.

In early summer it produces very large, long, narrow fruit. The clammy cream skin is delicate and salty, and the slightly crunchy deep blue flesh is sweet and very dry. The olive seeds are small and are located in the centre of the fruit.

The roots form a tightly packed ball, and overall the tree is sturdy and rigid.

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

It is suitable for creating tough, hard-wearing textiles
The colour changes depends on whether the soil is acidic or alkaline.