Copperberry

This small fruit tree grows up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and lives for up to 25 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 30 years old. It is somewhat resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a stocky, straight trunk covered in delicate, wrinkled, silver and white bark, and inside, the hard wood is copper-coloured.

The branches are tall, rigid and upright and are covered with thick bunches of large, broad, flat leaves with ripped edges. The leaves themselves are either cream or lime, with lilac edges.

In early spring, it produces several small, copper blossoms with 9 crescent-shaped shaped petals. They detach easily and have a strong scent that smells like a newborn baby.

In early autumn it produces , C-shaped fruit. The hairy gold skin is stretchy and edible when cooked; it is spicy, and the very soft olive flesh is bitter and sour and very juicy. The green seeds are tiny and are dotted around on the skin of the fruit.

The roots are long and grow straight down, and overall the tree is sturdy and rigid.

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