Syrupine Tree

This modest-sized fruit tree grows up to 19 feet (5.8 meters) tall and lives for up to 35 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 65 years old. It is not very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a very thick, twisting trunk covered in smooth, yellow-brown bark, and inside, the medium-dense wood is yellow-brown.

The small bunches of branches are long, thin and wispy and are covered with small amounts of small, fan-like leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are lime green with amber tips.

In early spring, it produces handfuls of tiny, black blossoms with broad, flat petals. They are hardy and have a strong scent that smells like pine needles.

In mid-autumn it produces large, long, tapering fruit. The hairy lime skin is delicate and edible when cooked; it is spicy and sour, and the soft yellow flesh is extremely bitter and syrupy. The blood red seeds are small and are located in the centre of the fruit.

The roots are shallow and widely spread, and overall the tree is sturdy and difficult to uproot.

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