Caramel

This short fruit tree grows up to 6 feet (1.8 meters) tall and lives for up to 10 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 24 years old. It is very resistant to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a thick, straight trunk covered in wrinkled, yellow bark, and inside, the flexible wood is pale brown.

The small handful of branches trail down to the ground and are covered with handfuls of large, very thin leaves with jagged edges. The leaves themselves are solid caramel or azure, with light grey patches.

In early spring, it produces lots of giant, brown blossoms with many layers of petals. They are very delicate and have an intensely strong scent that smells like chocolate.

In late autumn it produces tiny, spherical fruit. The crispy vibrant green skin is thin and sweet and savoury, and the crunchy amber flesh is bitter and powdery. The hazel seeds are large and are located in the centre of the fruit.

The roots are thick and spread across the surface, as well as underground, and overall the tree is sturdy and difficult to uproot.

Forests of this species feature well-spaced trees, with clear space between them.