Purplefruit Tree

This modest-sized fruit tree grows up to 14 feet (4.3 meters) tall and lives for up to 25 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 45 years old. It is susceptible to disease and destructive insect infestation.

It has a branched, wonky trunk covered in fine, silky, pine-coloured bark, and inside, the hard wood is pine-coloured.

The small handful of branches are short and thin and are covered with small amounts of tiny, fan-like leaves with ripped edges. The leaves themselves are solid purple with hazel splotches.

In early spring, it produces many tiny, crimson blossoms with spear shaped petals. They are very delicate and have a strong scent that smells like rotten meat.

In late summer it produces small, cuboid fruit. The smooth light grey skin is peel-able and inedible, and the slightly crunchy magenta flesh is savoury and very dry. The brown seeds are small and are bunched at the top of the fruit.

The roots are shallow and widely spread, and overall the tree is rigid and weak, and breaks apart easily.

Forests of this species feature the trees packed together, with the space between filled with undergrowth.