Copperleaf

This short shrub grows up to 1 foot (30.5 cm) tall and lives for around 90 years. It is somewhat resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has dozens of long and flexible, slanted stems covered in waxy, white with black speckled bark, and the wood inside is yellow.

The branches trail down to the ground that and are covered with thick bunches of small, pleated, leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are found in turquoise, copper and orange varieties, robust and rough.

In early spring it produces large amounts of giant, aquamarine blossoms with sickle shaped petals. They detach easily and have an overpowering scent that smells like musk.

In late autumn large pleated fruits ripen. The clammy orange skin is delicate and inedible, and the slightly crunchy bronze flesh is savoury and very juicy. The beige seeds are tiny and are scattered throughout the fruit.