Copperleaf Tree

This small fruit tree grows up to 8 feet (2.4 meters) tall and lives for up to 45 years, with the oldest known specimen being around 65 years old. It is very resistant to destructive insect infestation but susceptible to disease.

It has a sturdy, straight trunk covered in silky, copper-coloured bark, and inside, the dense wood is mahogany-coloured.

The abundance of branches are short, rigid and upright and are covered with large amounts of huge, very thick leaves with smooth edges. The leaves themselves are found in indigo, lilac and amber varieties.

In early spring, it produces lots of medium-sized, brown blossoms with cylindrical shaped petals. They fall easily and have a scent that varies in strength that smells like damp.

In mid-summer it produces small, asymmetrical fruit. The rough white skin is thick and bitter and savoury, and the crunchy slate flesh is sour and powdery. The black seeds are tiny and are bunched at the top of the fruit.

The roots form a tightly packed ball, and overall the tree is rigid and brittle.

Forests of this species feature well-spaced trees, with patches of undergrowth between them.