Twistvine Maple

This short tree grows up to 4 meters (13.1 feet) tall and lives for centuries, with the oldest known specimen being around 264 years old. It is very resistant to destructive insect infestation but susceptible to disease.

It has a narrow, twisting trunk covered in paper-thin, cracked, yellow-brown bark, and inside, the light wood is brown.

The branches are very short, thin and wispy and are covered with sparse amounts of crispy, huge, perforated leaves with jagged edges. The leaves themselves are brilliant purple and cream.

In late summer it forms small, black, winged seeds that spin and fall nearby.

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 filled with undergrowth.