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Copperleaf

Shrub type: Deciduous (Stores water in its leaves)

This short shrub grows up to 1 foot (30.5 cm) tall and lives for around 22 years. It is not very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has dozens of long and flexible, angular stems covered in hard, wrinkled, light brown bark, and the wood inside is copper-coloured.

The branches trail down to the ground with dozens of twigs that and are covered with large amounts of miniature, fan-like, leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are solid peach with copper patches, delicate and soft.

In late summer it produces lots of tiny, peach blossoms with 3 triangular shaped petals. They detach easily and have a delicate scent that smells like cheese.

In late winter oval fruits ripen. The hairy aquamarine skin is stretchy and spicy, and the slightly crunchy olive flesh is savoury and dry. The muted orange seed is small and is in the centre of the fruit.

It is suitable for use as a construction material
It is often home to a particular bird species.
The stems are covered in large spikes.