Violet

This modest-sized fruit tree grows up to 10 feet (3.0 meters) tall and lives for up to 25 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 28 years old. It is very resistant to disease but is susceptible to destructive insect infestation.

It has a long and flexible, straight trunk covered in thin, wrinkled, brown-green speckled bark, and inside, the very hard wood is copper-coloured.

The branches trail down to the ground and are covered with small bunches of large, long, narrow leaves with irregular edges. The leaves themselves are violet on the edges and orange at the center.

In early spring, it produces many balls of giant, bronze blossoms with 7 cylindrical shaped petals. They detach easily and have a mildly strong scent that smells like musk.

In late summer it produces small, oval fruit. The sticky pastel yellow skin is delicate and edible when cooked; it is sour, and the slightly crunchy deep blue flesh is bitter and very dry. The subtle green seeds are tiny and are bunched at the top of the fruit.

The roots spread far and go deep underground, and overall the tree is rigid and brittle.

Forests of this species feature well-spaced trees, with patches of undergrowth between them.