BESTIARY: FLORA

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This is a player-made list compiling all the flora from the August 2017 Flora/Fauna submissions. If you'd like your entry updated, contact this player. The underlined portion is linking back to the original comment, and goes as follows:
NAME.
Rarity / Location / Where the information is listed ICly.
FAUNA POST

FLORA。

WHISTLEWEED. Uncommon / Among the thickets and fields of Olympia / Report Submitted to The Institute. The whistleweed is a pesky plant well known by natives that is inedible and propagates its seeds by spreading a kind of dust that, when inhaled, influences a man or beast to begin behaving erratically. Its most mild side effects tend to cause whistling and impromptu dancing, but may cause a person's every word to come out in song-like melody. Although ideal for curing stage fright, it's professional use is limited due to the acute laryngitis that quickly follows. Why any plant would evolve to get itself trampled by confused dancing people is unknown, but its managed to make it this long without going extinct.

BAUBLEVINE. Uncommon / Edrathe Ruins / Report submitted to The Sanctuary. Baublevines are parasitic plants that wrap around living trees to suck them dry- as they feed, they produce the "baubles" for which they are named, which are luminous sacs that glow with a soft yellow light. Piercing a bauble will release a corrosive poison that acts as the vines' defense mechanism, and while piercing the sacs will kill the vine, it will also destroy everything around it, including you if you're not careful. Certain types of metals are resistant to the poison, so it's recommended you take caution and only bring specific equipment if you intend to take cuttings or poison samples. Despite being parasitic and dangerous, they are uncommon enough and grow in such dark, formidable places that some see them as a good omen to travelers, while others find them unsettling. Either way, their poison can be diluted and combined with other herbs as a powerful decongestant.

ROTSPORE. Spores: Common, Blooms: Very rare / Murkwell Hollow / Report submitted to The Institute. Rare not for lack of efficacy in reproduction but because of the conditions it needs to grow, Rotspore's, well, spores can be found on any dark, moist surface throughout Murkwell Hollow. These spores too small to be seen but are relatively harmless so long as one isn't allergic to that sort of thing. When these spores find their way to the tissue of recently-deceased creatures however they grow like wildfire and litter the surface of corpses with tiny red blooms that last for no more than 12 hours. While the spores themselves have no inherent value or use, the spherical blooms are a highly prized ingredient in medicine for their efficacy in treating even the most severe and aggressive of infections. Some call it a miracle cure-all. However due to the fact that Rotspore will only grow in the humid mists of Murkwell where no natural life exists (and therefore very little host flesh for it to germinate), the means by which it can be recovered has become...suspect. There are rumours of people being dragged into the mists to serve as fertile ground for their production. Rotspore will only grow at night, and will never grow in an illuminated or dry environment.

BLISSROOT. Uncommon / Jungle of Wyver / Submitted to The Sanctuary. Appears to be a particularly plain plant with wide leaves and slow blooming flowers, though underneath the ground the roots glow an ethereal blue. The roots in particular, when ingested, cause a floating, calm, and happy sensation. This can be ingested by eating the plant or perhaps smoking it in some fashion. The flowers, while pretty, have a very muted reaction. The vines themselves are far more potent. While they can grow quite long, they are harvested quickly for the enjoyable affects they can have, making the plant rather hard to find.

MUSHROOMS OF MADNESS. Rare / Murkwell Hollow / Report submitted to The Sanctuary. Standing around twenty feet tall, the Mushrooms of Madness grow only in the darkest depths of Murkwell Hollow. Their wide canopies glow softly in the gloom, a tempting respite for weary travelers. The slightest breeze or bump causes them to rain glittering spores that are easily carried for long distances by the wind. Though these spores appear harmless at first, any direct contact with them will cause paranoia and hallucinations lasting anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Breathing too many of the spores at once will intensify the effects, until it's impossible to distinguish between fiction and reality. Those affected at the same time have been known to share the same hallucination, leading some to believe that the mushrooms allow a glimpse into terrifying parallel worlds.

DEW CATCHER. Rare / Murkwell Hollow / Report submitted to The Institute. In this marshland, where any deep roots are bound to rot, the Dew Catcher has evolved to do without the inconvenience of having to draw liquids and nutrients from the soil. It has a single cork-like "root" that keeps it locked in place, but serves no other function than that: its liquids and nutrients, it collects through its pitcher-shaped flowers, catching the dew with its unusual lid (as its name implies), and collecting it inside. Since the water collected there tastes sweet, bugs will occasionally fly in and drown there, providing the plant with more than enough nutrition. The only problem arises when the plant thrives too much, and bugs and dew are no longer able to sustain its increased size: in a desperate bid to survive, the hollow spines that grow between the flowers to keep them from being eaten grow rapidly into softer vines that spread over as big an area as they can manage - and try to ensnare bigger prey, curling around them before finding a soft, moist place to get their liquids and nutrients from. Eyes and mouths are favored targets, but they might also go for... somewhere else. Since the plant itself has nothing to make its prey more compliant before it catches it, and only the biggest specimens have enough strength to restrain wildlife (or a human), it likes to grow in places favored by the Xlarix and other mood-improving and/or relaxing flora and fauna. While the Dew Catcher can be very dangerous, it's rare, and only the bigger specimens are a risk to the average person. Additionally, since it only develops its vines in a last-ditch effort to survive, it will die fairly quickly if it doesn't catch a prey once it's transformed like that. On the flip side: once it catches a prey, it will keep it trapped until it's gotten as much liquid and nutrients from it as it can. The Dew Catcher isn't currently known to be edible or otherwise beneficial, so it's not something worth collecting to sell. More research is required to find out how it seems to know how best to extract liquids and nutrients from its prey, and the means by which it does so.

FENNELFROST. Common / Base of rocky outcroppings in and around the Edrathe Ruins / Report submitted to The Sanctuary. Its most common use is as a local anesthetic, its fluffy petals imbued with a natural numbing agent that acts immediately upon contact. Please wear gloves if trying to harvest in large amounts. Ingestion of of raw fennelfrost is dangerous and not recommended but subjecting the plant to high heat (aka, cooking or boiling it) nullifies the numbing effect and results instead in a concoction will either make a person drowsy or knock them out cold, depending on the amount used.

CRANIUM VINES. Rare / Murkwell Hollow / Report Submitted to The Institute. Cranium Vines are an invasive species of vine. It grows exclusively around corpses, taking it's necessary nutrients from the body. Due to this, it is slow growing, and it's spread can be nipped in the bud more easily than some other varieties. However, it is surprisingly delicate - the skull shaped flowers that sprout from the vine itself crumble easily, and scatter like dandelions with the lightest disturbance. If the dust scatters near you, it's best to take care to keep it from getting into any wounds, eyes or mouths; while only numbness and headaches are likely to occur through touch, ingestion can cause full body paralysis within minutes, as well as nerve pains, shivers, inflammation and potential heart failure. The stalks themselves are safe to handle after the flowers have been cleared. However, once they are cut, the stalks bleed a rotten smelling, wine colored secretion that can burn through flesh and bone. Inflammation in the affected areas can last for up to 48 hours and numbness may remain for up to a week. With the proper tools, the secretion can be boiled down into a syrup that can be used as a numbing agent in small dosages.

FRAGRANT CLOVE. Common / Around Olympia / Report submitted to The Sanctuary. A common plant used in a variety of potions or food. It has a slightly minty flavor and the leaves can be eaten as is or boiled for tea, but most commonly it can be ground down into a paste to help clean teeth and freshen breath. The fruit is slightly sweet and minty as well and used as a garnish or to enhance flavors in food.

PEST LAUREL. Common where people don't take care of their homes / Olympia / Report Submitted to The Institute. A thick, creeping vine resembling a tree root that thrives on carving through wood much in the way of a carpenter ant or termite, these vines can grow in any damp or dirty conditions and thrive on buildings, as they require more space and wooden material to grow roots into to survive. They require little water or light; space is the most important thing for this plant's survival, and the vines that grow in and around large trees in wooded areas will eventually "choke" the tree to death and then die with no more room to expand. If left untended, they can obviously damage the sturdiness of a building, but ironically if left inside the wooden structure after they have spread enough, they can replace the wood as weaker, but living, support. The leaves of the vines have no special properties but they do smell kind of nice, and the vines themselves can be stripped down and made into fairly sturdy rope when the vine is dead and dried.

STICKWEED. Uncommon / Borders of Edrathe Ruins & Woods / Report Submitted to The Institute. Small, thin, light as a feather plants that hold the appearance of a dandelion but have unfortunate effects on unsuspecting wanderers. Stickweed can grow on a large scale in fields if it is not maintained, but is mostly found in clearings amidst woodlands around ruins and other underpopulated locations. Once it is blown into the wind or disturbed by other means, it will attach itself to any person or creature nearby in great numbers and must be plucked off with great haste. The magical essence of this plant will lift the person off the ground until it is fully removed, and the more they gain, the faster and higher they go. It can be harvested to use this property to enchant products to float, but the raw effects will diminish overtime like helium in a balloon. To put it simply: They get you literally high.

DIREDROP. Uncommon / Olympian Woods / Report Submitted to The Institute. Diredrops are an uncommon fig that grows in high trees and they're the size of an adult females palm. They're edible and are often used by travelers when they're gone for long periods of time. They're used as an emergency option because while they're very filling, they have a strange drawback of making people lethargic for long periods of time. They're sold by vendors for a high price due to how long they take to grow and because they are popular among people.

VERILLUM TREES. Uncommon / Olympian Woods / Report Submitted to The Institute. These beautiful trees are most commonly seen growing in rocky outcrops in close proximity to bodies of water. They have thin, soft bark and a faint bioluminescent glow that stays in the warmer range of colors: white, pink, yellow, or orange. While solitary in nature (you won't find a forest of these anytime soon), life seems to gather near wherever Verillum trees are present, flora and fauna alike. Travelers have passed on stories that these trees represent safety and that one might be able to stop and rest beneath one without fear of being harmed. However, the longer one stays in the presence of these trees, the more compelled they might be to strike up a conversation with who or whatever is around. A conversation where they'll be more compelled to tell the truth, at that. No one knows why the trees have this effect — perhaps it's the abundance of fragrant leaves or the peaceful atmosphere that arises from the trees' constant, comforting glow. A similar effect can be achieved with sap harvested from these trees (incidentally, the sap makes good syrup), but the effect is much milder and only lasts a short period of time.

RADIATING BLOSSOM. Common / Olympia, the Outposts and Edrathe Ruins / Report submitted to The Sanctuary. A beautiful flower with bright orange petals nestled in green, these blossoms are well loved for their special magic during the night. During the day, the longer wisps absorb sunlight at a rapid rate for the usual photosynthesis. However when night falls, and the wisps cannot absorb as much light, the energy is charged into the core for nutrient conversion. This period of time gives the unusual effect of the petals starting to shine like a miniature sun. They are extremely helpful to night travelers who need a light in the dark, but it is not advised to pick them. The inner petals are extremely hot to the touch at night, and during the day the plant will quickly die if detached from its roots.

DUSKBLOOM. Uncommon / The Outlook & Ancient Grove / Report Submitted to The Institute. Sometimes referred to as "instigator's vine," Duskbloom is known for distinctive night-blooming white flowers and can be found climbing up the trunks of large trees. It often reaches heights of 5 to 10 feet. As the sun goes down, the flowers of the Duskbloom begin to open and release a scent similar to vanilla. Admired for the simple beauty and pleasing scent of these flowers, the vine also serves more practical purposes. Tea brewed with its leaves is known to soothe the most stubborn headaches, potions made with its crushed petals enhance the libido, and some claim that regularly consuming the edible flower (try it sauteed!) will improve one's eyesight. Leaves torn and flowers crushed while still on the vine immediately stain bare skin with a sticky secretion of such strength that the unsuspecting have found themselves adhering to other people they touch for as long as half an hour after the fact. Pouring milk over the affected skin will usually speed separation.

RAZOR WEED. Uncommon / Olympian Woods / Report Submitted to The Institute. A relatively harmless-looking weed that grows close the ground, creeping across damp patches of soil. It has delicate, lilac-coloured flowers that resemble puffs of cotton whose seeds are scattered by the wind — or perhaps someone decided to pluck one and blow it into the air. Its charm — and the reason it's earned such a threatening name — lies in the fern-like leaves. No longer than the length of a thumb, the razor weed's leaves close up when disturbed by a touch. But be careful! Once closed, the leaf becomes as sharp as a blade and can give you a nasty cut. A defense mechanism, it seems. Left alone for a few minutes, the leaves open back up again. It has no known uses but remains a curiosity; people still delight in poking or blowing at the leaves just to see them close up.

JUTI VINES. Common / Edrathe Ruins & Edrathe Tower / Report Submitted to The Institute. This fast-growing vine plant is found clinging to trees or the ruins of old buildings, reaching for the light. Its waxy sap can be used as a varnish, or mixed properly is an excellent seal, used for ale barrels . Its leaves can be brewed into a calming tea, but the extract has been known to be mixed with other (possibly controlled or illegal!) reagents to make a hallucinogen. The right mix can help one with viewing and absorbing difficult memories, but in too high a dose, it will cause nausea, hallucinations, and paralysis mimicking death.

LOVER'S VINE. Common / Residential District / Report submitted to The Sanctuary. This hardy climbing vine can be found growing near many homes in the residential district. It is a small but tough green vine with flowering limbs that branch off of it. If a small cutting is planted, it will quickly take root, and after several years may climb up the side of a house or tree. The most common flower color is yellow, but some plants may have pink, red, or purple flowers. It grows best in the shade and doesn't need much water, making it an easily maintained plant for even the least skilled gardeners. It blooms in all seasons except winter. It is edible, having a faint sweet taste when raw and bitter when cooked. Local legend says this plant grows quickest when it is near homes filled with love (romantic or otherwise).

IRON DAISY. Uncommon / Olympia / Report submitted to The Sanctuary. Iron Daisies are similar in color to daisies at first but are taller and have a slightly different ‘core.’ They show their true colors when someone tries to remove them, turning a shade of blue and steeling themselves to remain where they are. Their roots grow and move rapidly in an attempt to join with other roots nearby or latch or dig into an object. They are even known to latch onto the person trying to pluck them from their field. They are very hard to get rid of without first cutting off the head or taking out the rest of the flowers around it with it. There are rumors it has medicinal properties, being as strong-willed as it is. It can even move a few inches each night if it's running low on water—the roots will drag itself in search of more, slowly but surely.

HEART ROSES. Uncommon / Murkwell Hollow / Report submitted to The Sanctuary. In the wild, these flowers first go into full bloom for a few days at the height of summer, and if they don't acquire enough energy, they die soon after. With enough energy, however, they can even survive through the winter. Heart roses aren't actually roses at all, but a sort of energy parasite though that part does not seem to be advertised by the merchants that sell them. They sell well due to their luminous quality, the difficulty of procuring them, and the fact that if well "fed" they can survive for several seasons. Close physical proximity without appropriate protections allows the bloom to disperse microscopic feeding buds. Negative effects on large host organisms are usually imperceptible, aside from a slight sense of euphoria. Prolonged physical contact with another person while so infected can cause active buds to be passed to another, which briefly appears as a red cord between them. Breaking the cord can have strange effects such as seeing only in one color until returned to the presence of the other individual or the buds are removed. Likely the origin of those legends about soulmates.

OLYMPIAN GLOWTREE. Uncommon / Olympia / Report submitted to The Sanctuary. The Olympian Glowtree is known for its distinctive luminescence. These trees have been an invaluable resource to residents of Olympia. their fruits (called "glowlets") taste a little like apples, can be used to spice up dishes, and have the side effect of producing a "glowing effect" around their consumer that lasts around two hours. The wood from glowtrees also maintains its glow for years, and is usually used as decorations on homes. It was said that glowtrees used to help travelers find their way long ago, but considering the prevalence of magic, this seems highly unlikely.

BLOODLEAF. Uncommon / The Outlook / Report submitted to The Sanctuary. The plant can grow to be around 1 foot tall. Growing only in the wild and dying during any attempts at transplanting, it gives off the smell of old blood when the flowers are on the stem. Once removed, the scent of the flowers becomes more earthy with a bit of cinnamon to it. The flowers are edible, and because they cannot be grown within the city, they can fetch a high price, especially during the colder months when the plants are not in bloom. The dried flowers can be used in the kitchen, with the inner part of the petals found in high-end herbal teas and the tips of the petals crushed to provide a seasoning for some dishes. The scent of earthy cinnamon is distinct enough to be recognized when used in large quantities, which is good because it has the side effect of incapacitating certain species of vampires when ingested; they weaken and even lose consciousness with large doses. In other species, it's simply tasty and a treat for those who can afford it.

BLAZEWEED (DANKHERB, DOPEBUD, DEMON'S LETTUCE). Uncommon / Olympia & The Outlook / Report submitted to The Sanctuary. A medicinal herb that can be found scattered around in fields among other, lesser weeds, it’s jointly used for both crafting and consumption. If, by some chance, you were to (accidentally?) roll some up and happen to smoke it, you might find the effects pleasing and relaxing. To be blunt, it gets you mad high. It’s a great way to make new buds and liven up a party. The downside is you’ll often find yourself chronically running out of your favorite household snacks and compelled to make truly dank jokes all the time.

SNOWVINE. Common / Olympia / Report submitted to The Sanctuary. Snowvine is a vine plant that can be found growing on various buildings around Olympia, and even on the trunks of large, older trees. The vine is a dark green and the flowers that bloom are a bright white. They are not edible, but the purest flowers are cultivated and turned into skincare and lotions for the noble classes, who enjoy the lightly fresh scent provided by the flower. Additionally, if crushed and boiled properly, the leaves can be used to make a strong sedative that can be lethal in high doses.

EORAPPLA. Uncommon / The Outlook & Ancient Grove & Woods / Report submitted to The Sanctuary. the plant grows in bush-form, clustered with lush green leaves, plump with food and water supply. the flowers themselves are less petal-like and more like the plush leaves themselves, filled with a kind of liquid that - when squeezed - produces a strong scent very reminiscent to apple pie. the plant is poisonous to eat and can cause some skin irritation if used raw, but once boiled and distilled, the essence from the plant is quite lovely! it has been made into perfume, and boiling the plant (usually lesser-quality flowers) can make a house smell fresh and cozy. one holiday season, it became the #1 It Trend, and all the nobles wanted a bottle of perfume, which resulted in over-harvesting (a little like clear-cutting) the plant to near-extinction, thereby upping the value of the plant so that, at least for a while, it was quite expensive and highly prized.

CATALARGA(+BERRIES). Common / Flona Cove / Report Submitted to The Institute. the catalarga grows thick and abundant in Flona Cove. the plant itself stands about waist high, with thin branches and long oval-shaped leaves that taper to a slight point. in the warmer months, the catalarga produces berries that go by no particular name, but are immediately recognizable thanks to their distinctive blue color, that comes in once the berries ripen. the berries grow in an oblong shape, with a thick skin that make them very hard to crush by hand. as they ripen, they turn that distinctive deep blue, and are ready to be gathered by the basketful, to be used as a type of botanical in the production of a clear distilled liquor. this liquor, called ouce, is highly potent and typically consumed in small glasses, rendering the catalarga berry an important resource. if consumed raw, the catalarga berry will make you violently ill. symptoms include fever, a pink and scabby rash on your elbows and knees, and at least twelve hours of vomiting. anyone who tells you that they're an aphrodisiac just wants you to suffer.

VENA AMORIS. Rare / Olympian Woods & Bodies of Water / Report submitted to The Sanctuary. These vines grow along the branches and trunks of other trees, sometimes growing long enough to touch the ground. They're harmless until someone gets a little too close—the vines, drawn to body heat, wrap around people and trap them in place. The only thing that seems to get the vines to let them go is high levels of oxytocin—specifically, when people kiss.

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