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Sourneedle Tree

Fruit Tree type: Deciduous (Stores water in its leaves)

This modest-sized fruit tree grows up to 14 feet (4.3 meters) tall and lives for up to 35 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 49 years old. It is somewhat resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a flexible, straight trunk covered in very thick, cracked, yellow bark, and inside, the soft wood is copper-coloured.

The branches trail down across the ground and are covered with thick bunches of miniature, asymmetrical leaves with toothed edges. The leaves themselves are olive with lilac tips.

In early spring, it produces hundreds of small, red blossoms with sickle shaped petals with a trumpet-shaped floral cup. They are sturdy and have a weak scent that smells like baby powder.

In late summer it produces small, needle-like fruit. The crispy hazel skin is stretchy and edible when roasted; it is overwhelmingly sour, and the crunchy brown flesh is spicy and oily. The orange seeds are large and are scattered throughout the fruit.

The roots spread far and go deep underground, and overall the tree is rigid and weak, and breaks apart easily.

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

It aggressively steals nutrients from other large plants (but not each other).
It is suitable for creating tough, hard-wearing textiles