Blackfruit Tree

This small fruit tree grows up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) tall and lives for up to 15 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 18 years old. It is very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a stocky, wonky trunk covered in very thick, rough, dark gray bark, and inside, the medium-dense wood is white.

The branches trail down to the ground and are covered with large amounts of giant, broad, flat leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are black on the edges and green at the center.

In early spring, it produces several small, orange blossoms with circular petals. They are sturdy and have a faint scent that smells like something putrid.

In early summer it produces tiny, oval fruit. The clammy gentle yellow skin is thin and edible when boiled; it is spicy and savoury, and the crunchy white flesh is sweet and syrupy. The bronze seeds are large and are bunched at the top of the fruit.

The roots spread far and go deep underground, and overall the tree is sturdy and difficult to uproot.

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