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Slateberry

Fruit Tree type: Deciduous (Stores water in the thickened base of its stem)

This short fruit tree grows up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and lives for up to 10 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 19 years old. It is very resistant to disease but is susceptible to destructive insect infestation.

It has a long and flexible, angular trunk covered in thin, wrinkled, dark brown bark, and inside, the very hard wood is silver.

The small handful of branches trail down towards the ground and are covered with very large amounts of tiny, long, narrow leaves with wavy edges. The leaves themselves are olive on the edges and dark brown at the center.

In early spring, it produces copious amounts of tiny, slate blossoms with asymmetrical petals. They are hardy and have a mildly strong scent that smells like ashes.

In late autumn it produces , finger-like fruit. The rough lilac skin is delicate and inedible, and the slightly crunchy amber flesh is sour and juicy. The slate seeds are large and are located in the centre of the fruit.

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

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

It absorbs an exceptionally large amount of water each day.
It is suitable for creating strong, durable textiles