Whispering Willow

This short fruit tree grows up to 5 feet (1.5 meters) tall and lives for up to 40 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 50 years old. It is very resistant to destructive insect infestation but susceptible to disease.

It has a wide, wonky trunk covered in thin, smooth, light brown bark, and inside, the very dense wood is black.

The branches are short and thin and are covered with thick bunches of huge, wispy leaves with rounded edges. The leaves themselves are green and black.

In early spring, it produces thick bunches of tiny, grey blossoms with many layers of petals with a tube-like floral cup. They are sturdy and have a weak scent that smells like cinnamon.

In early summer it produces , long, curved fruit. The sticky olive skin is delicate and edible when boiled; it is bitter, and the soft silver flesh is salty and dry. The olive seed is large and is in the centre of the fruit.

The roots form a tightly packed ball, and overall the tree is sturdy, flexible, and difficult to uproot or break.

Forests of this species feature well-spaced trees, with grassy ground between them.