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Copper

Shrub type: Deciduous (Stores water in its stem)

This modest-sized shrub grows up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) tall and lives for decades, with the oldest known specimen being around 129 years old. It is very resistant to disease but is susceptible to destructive insect infestation.

It has numerous flexible, straight stems covered in fine, cracked, white with black speckled bark, and the wood inside is white with black speckles.

The branches are short stubs with dozens of twigs that and are covered with large amounts of large, long, tapering, leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are either slate or purple, with hazel zig-zags, frail and clammy.

In late spring it produces many giant, copper blossoms with spear shaped petals. They are hardy and have a soft scent that smells like sugar.

In early autumn small fan-like fruits ripen. The rubbery red skin is thick and edible when cooked; it is sour, and the very soft cream flesh is salty and powdery. The bright orange seed is large and sits at the end of the fruit.

It commonly grows in large patches.
It is suitable for creating strong, durable textiles
It is almost impossible to grow from cuttings.