Syrupberry Tree

This short fruit tree grows up to 9 feet (2.7 meters) tall and lives for up to 20 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 29 years old. It is not very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a branched, angular trunk covered in very thick, cracked, mahogany-coloured bark, and inside, the very hard wood is yellow-brown.

The branches are short and thin and are covered with thick bunches of small, thin leaves with wavy edges. The leaves themselves are a shade of yellow that gradient shifts to lime at the top.

In early spring, it produces a thick sheet of medium-sized, orange blossoms with needle-like petals. They are hardy and have a delicate scent that smells like citrus.

In mid-autumn it produces , perforated fruit. The rubbery bronze skin is thick and savoury, and the soft lilac flesh is salty and syrupy. The dark grey seed is small and sits at the end of the fruit.

The roots spread far and go deep underground, and overall the tree is sturdy and difficult to uproot.

Forests of this species feature the trees packed together, with patches of undergrowth between them.