A new species has been discovered! Username: Pink Pandah Bear Flower name: Brunositis Flower design: A Brunositis flower has a long, dark brown stem, with some thorns peaking through. It has pure white petals, with a golden brown center. Sometimes if your lucky, it grows a bit further and ferns grow from your flower, creating a creeper. Flower information: A Brunositis flower is a hard flower to come by, not everyone can find it. It appears in special moments in your life, and once found you should probably hold onto it. A bond so strong, this flower grows upon your love, and will not die, thus is why its only a rare flower. A Bruno flower can forever grow, turning into a creeper-like plant. It requires most sunlight and watering every night to be at its purest form. This flowers thorns may not always appear, as it chooses when they want to come out, which is not overly often. May be planted with other flowers, but again depending on it's happiness, thorns may appear.
(Sorry for my lack of creativity. This is actually inspired by my foster dog Bruno, who I formed a strong bond with, and will be getting adopted soon. T__T Not dealing too well, clearly!) Prize preferences: Mare
Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 12:23 am
A new species has been discovered! Username: stormflower Flower name: Aiyana Blossom 'ever-blooming' Flower design: I cant draw for anything so a description is what you get. And I apologize as I cant quite get the right wording down for what I see in my head.
It is a flower of legend with delicate slender petals similar in my mind to a lily(5petals though). The blossom has an iridescent shine to it and its colors can vary from a frost white to a pastel pink. It glows with a pale blue aura. There can sometimes be subtle veins on the petals of a pale yellow coloration. Unique to this flower is that though all one, below the main bloom there are 2-3 smaller 'blossoms' usually white in color with pink markings. The center of the flower when in full bloom looks like a secondary bloom with shorter rounded petals(similar in look to a rose bud) and is usually white in color and the stigma is long and slender coming from the center and is always a pale blue, matching the flowers glow. The flower somewhat dangles from the stem, doesn't 'stand straight up' Note: flowers like these can be found in remote areas but they do not hold the same miraculous abilities the one of legend does, but they do aid greatly in many healing remedies. Flower information: -I think I went the wrong direction with this, but I have a story of the flower...xD
There is tale of a special flower, a flower surrounded by mystery, a flower that was said would save us all......
The tale of the flower had been passed down for ages in the outpost village that bordered the Kawanii lands. This isnt a story about a flower though, its the story about the journey a young mare takes to find and and try to save the lives of those she loves. Aiyana came to the outpost when she was just months old with no memory of anything before. She was taken in by a young girl, Nita who had lost her own parents at a young age. The village was their home and Aiyana was named for the flower of legend, a flower that could be the hope in the lands darkest hour so the legend went.
Aiyana was Nita's hope to have a companion and a friend and in no time they were inseparable, and could understand one another like sisters of the same species and beyond. They both shared a love for the old myths and legends and naturally their favorite was on the Miracle Flower Aiyana. They would listen to it be told once every week at least sometimes more if traders and travelers said for the night.
"Long ago when the land was still new the great spirits placed their rainbow of life over the land. The great descendents of the Horse Spirit and those of man that walk on two legs flourished learning to work together. There were some on both sides however that did not trust the others. The horses were beasts to be mastered and nothing more where the people were stupid vile creature. Though our ancestors lived in peace there were outsiders that interfered with our peaceful ways and caused disturbances among us.
"This disorder brought war in the end and with war came famine and with that disease and death. The spirits gave up hope and slowly started to abandon the people one by one. When the fighting finally stopped and both sides saw what that had done they wept. They wept and prayed for forgiveness and to be delivered from the barren waste land they created. Prays seemed to go unanswered and when all hope seemed lost one spirit came forth. She was a spirit of the rain and she was saddened by the lack of life, she missed the flowers that grew from her waters. She said she would lend her aid, but the two species would have to prove themselves. To receive her gift two that once hated each other must work together and travel to the barren mountains to the east. It was not to be an easy journey, not only was there a scorching desert, but it was a treacherous climb to the top as well as an inner battle to help one you've grown to hate. Apprehensive the chosen two set forth on their journey. It is said it was a rough trek with many differences they thought they couldn't overcome. In the end, by a miracle, the two made it to the top and they held an unspoken bond between them and mutual respect.
The Spirit was there waiting for them with a gentle smile on her face and a glowing pink flower in her hands. She told them they must both make their desire known to the flower and release it into the sky. They looked at one another and simply nodded as they said their desires in their hearts and a hand and hoof reached out to the flower and gentle touched it as the spirit disappeared. It floated up to the sky and with a bright flash of light clouds gathered and a rain started to fall. The rain rejuvenated the land and when the two returned to the village they were heroes and to this day the two's descendents live and work together in peace and harmony."
The two friends never got tired of hearing the story and they couldn't be closer. Things changed one day though when a young stallion, Chuka was brought to the village for healing. He had been traveling alone and was attacked, he barely escaped with his life. Aiyana helped in nursing him back to health and when he was healed he stayed to repay their kindness. Chuka and Aiyana grew very close and their friendship budded into romance. It made less time for her and Nita, but there were never hard feelings. Life continued on, happily until one day disaster struck the land. The rains were late, and then they were just gone. The village slowly ran out of supplies as their were less and less traders and travelers during these tough times. The crops wouldn't grow and some started to panic and panic led to fights and looting. Then when it seemed like there would be some relief when a small bunch of clouds came in turned everything worse. Lightning started brush fires that spread across the land burning what little resources they had left.
They tried to control the chaos but it seemed hopeless, Aiyana and Nita then recalled the story and the flower. They knew it might be the only chance they had. Aiyana's love told her to stay and that he would go, but no one knew the details and the way more then Aiyana and Nita. They didn't want to leave their loved ones but they felt it was their only hope. When the fires seemed to have died down with heavy hearts they set out hoping they would find the flower to be more then just myth.
Their journey was long but they pushed through knowing who was waiting for them, it seemed like ages but they finally reached the small mountain top. It actually led to a little cave, but upon nearing the mouth Nita toppled over in pain. Upon inspection she was found to having been bitten by a very venomous snake and they knew if they didn't find a healer soon she might not make it. Nita insisted that they press on as more lives were at stake. Aiyana helped her onto her back and they entered the cave. It wasn't very long before they came to a small pool of water and a glowing pink flower standing before it. Carefully Nita climbed off and sat on the cave floor as Aiyana approached the flower.
As she did a great light appeared and then a figure, it was the same rain spirit from the legend. "I know why you have come, Ive been watching you on your journey. You have both done well and shown great strength and courage but it may be at a cost. Your friend needs a healer quickly or she risks her life do you understand?" Aiyana looked to Nita with tears in her eyes as Nita replied. "Yes, we understand and if it saves the land then it will have been worth it. Please help us." Aiyana looked back to the spirit as tears fell down her face, it saddened her to see her friend suffering but she knew that Nita wouldn't want their loved ones to suffer. The spirit stepped to the side revealing the flower again and picked the blossom up in her hand. "I see your conviction and your love, I will do what I can but I must warn you. Though there has been much suffering there may be more heartache to follow when you return home, but you must remain strong and always keep heart. Can you do that Aiyana?" She was taken aback and made nervous as the spirits last words were directed at her, but with a gulp to try and calm herself she nodded.
With that the spirit lifted her hand up and in a warm burst of light the flower blossom disappeared and with a smile and gentle bow the spirit soon followed. As they exited the cave they could see clouds building in the sky and soon a gentle rain began to fall. They hurried as fast as they could home so Nita could see the healer and they seemed to do so just in time. Nita's life was saved but when Aiyana went to see her love she met with the news of his death instead. Her heart ached but she now understood the spirits words and though it would be hard she would keep her word as she rebuilt her home and her heart.
Bonus: Made a doll from a doll creator 'game' of what I envisioned the Rain spirit to look like sorta xD
A new species has been discovered! Username: Jynk Flower name: Winter Maiden’s Tears Flower design: A light green stem with long, grassy leaves that droop and snow-colored puffs that look like the tears of a maiden blowing in the wind. Flower information: Winter Maiden’s Tears is a hardy plant that, amazingly enough, blooms only in colder climates, especially where there is snow and/or ice on the ground. Despite its sorrowful name, the plant is actually very useful for medicines and healing purposes. It is sought after by many daring shaman and Soquili alike for these properties, sometimes even used as a rite of passage to retrieve one, or as a proof of love in courting. They are hard to find, which makes them valuable. Most of their known properties for medicinal use are soothing burns, curing and preventing several illnesses such as influenza, and easing the aches of arthritis. It has been known to be helpful in fertility, as well. There are some who just simply like the taste of it in a salad. Prize preferences: Mare, Stallion, Birdy :3
Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 4:37 am
A new species has been discovered! Username:-Diamond-Elephant- Flower name: Shybloom. Also known as Hidden Worth. Flower design: In the light of day the shybloom is velvet black in colour, its spade shaped petals curled and closed up around the plant, almost withered looking in appearance. Truly it looks almost like a weed, many wouldn't bat an eye at the little plant and instead would walk on by, in favor of prettier things. However, at night and under the gaze of the full moon is when this little flower blooms, its black petals unfurling to reveal luminescent freckling and speckling in purples, blues, and greens. It truly is quite the pretty sight, if you're fortunate enough to see it. Flower information: It is quite an underrated flower, most ignoring it due to its appearance. However, most don't know exactly what it is they are looking at and the many properties it does possess. An example of one of its properties is that its petals, when mushed up, create quite the proficient healing salve. On the other hand, if the petals are powdered they create quite the toxic poison. Doing such is best avoided unless proper precaution is taken. Another property of the flower is that when the entirety of the plant is harvested and finely chopped and then boiled in water, it creates a very beautiful ink.
The flower is an aptly named one, shybloom because of its demeanor and habits, and Hidden Worth because of its usefulness in various forms. Prize preferences: Floral ulun'suti, re-roll.
A new species has been discovered! Username: Lestragne Flower name: Silver Fox Flower design: This flower gets its name from the two long tall petals that grow in that back that look like fox ears. Overall the flower has a silverish appearance but it can change depending on the light. Flower information: The Silver Fox can be found in parts of Asia being unique to that reign. The tale is that a wounded fox came upon one of these flowers and ate it in desperation. In return the god granted the fox a uman life but there was a catch. The flower had granted the fox the ability to shape shift and thus a legend was born. The locals take great care of the precious Silver Fox in its connection to the gods and myth. It is very fast growing but is sly and cunning perfering to grow in shade and shows rather than full light. It is used in many ritual ceremonies to the gods in the Inari shrines. It is also used a health food many believe if eaten at the start of summer it will grant them long life.
Its roots go down as deep as its peoples hopes and dreams. It will not wither or fade and stands tall and proud until its season is over. It is often picked and frozen and added to soup and food in the cold winters. The flower would have been considered a weed if not for the peoples great care and concern.
Prize preferences: Sulti,Stallion, bird
Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 7:03 am
Edited on 3/18 @ 3:43 PM EST for clean up and easier reading A new species has been discovered! Username: Theidren Flower name: Fenix Ash Flower design:This flower is grown with the help of a specific tree. It looks to be most closely related to the lotus family. Fenix Ash have fewer petals that are more rounded than angular. These petals edges also have a slight crinkle to them. These blooms are a creamy white but the middle is a red, orange and yellow combination. Some think the center of these look like an ember. Young stems are a light fresh green color and older ones are a darker hue. Fenix Ash blooms, once fully grown can easily fit in the palm of your hand. During the colder months the petals turn a yellow green color and slightly curl in on themselves making it extremely difficult to tell the difference between mature and adolescent blooms.
Flower information: The buds of a Fenix Ash bloom and grow under redwood trees. As the tree grows older the Fenix Ash grows with and onto the tree. Blooms will also begin to slowly emerge as each matures. In the oldest of these relationships the plant will evolve and form vines along the trunk. In these advanced stages there are many blooms along the redwood trunk.
These tree and plant pairings are cared for by a duo of shaman and Soquili. They train their entire lives to learn the balance and precise manner in which care must be given. This duo carefully searches for the appropriately aged redwood tree to plant a Fenix Ash under. A redwood must be of a a certain age to support a pairing. It is of the upmost importance that any buds that fall to the earth should be accounted for. Should they be swallowed by the ground it would most certainly unhinge the balance of nature.
The relationship between the Fenix Ash and the redwood tree is a symbiotic one. With the plants help the tree grains strength, deeper roots and stronger bark. It also seeps along the root system to help nurture the trees around it. The tree provides the Fenix Ash with the nutrients to grow and flourish longer than most plants should be able. As a relationship of this magnitude could upset the balance of nature one should not plant a Fenix Ash in close proximity to another.
Because of the unique relationship this plant has an extensive life cycle. It starts its life cycle as a hard bud, some might even mistake it for a nut. In the first 10 years of life the Fenix Ash is quite delicate until plant and tree have matured and settled into their relationship. For the next 50 years the Fenix Ash strengthens and flourishes as the tree matures. As the plant nears the end of its life the vines become hard and one with the tree. Any mature blooms present at this time also harden which protects the seed inside, and fall from the redwood.
The petals from this plant can help heal anyone faster and keep them from infection. Petals that are harvested last a few days before they wilt and will lose potency. If too many petals are taken at any one time from the blossoms of the Fenix Ash this will cause the plant to wilt and die. Both plant and tree will perish should this happen, and any growth that has been privy to the touch of the plant will become unhealthy. If an entire blossom is plucked at one time it will immediately wilt and be of no use. It is of great importance to note that petals do not contains the same properties during their life cycle. For example adolescent petals are quite toxic compared to those that have reached maturity. This is why during the cold months petals should not be harvested under any circumstance. Prize preferences: Ulun'suti
Theidren Crew
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spelldancer
Swashbuckling Fairy
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Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 9:17 am
A new species has been discovered! Username: spelldancer Flower name: Adatsosedisgi Anitsilvsgi (literally annoyance flower in Cherokee) Flower design: Image is large so it is in a spoiler
Adatsosedisgi Anitsilvsgi is not a pretty flower, maroon with pink poke-a-dots on the outside, and purple with orange stripes on the inside. The stripes are there to guide insects to the center for fertilizing the flower. Flower information: Adatsosedisgi Anitsilvsgi was a rather invasive vine that was considered a pest until one experimenting Kawani discovered he could make perfume from it. The perfume became popular and the Kawani began cultivate the vine. Kawani people use it to make the perfume when flower is put in oil in a jar and jar is put in hot water. They are currently experimenting with the rest of the plant to find out if there are other properties that could be utilized, but so far all experiments have come up with nothing. It is believed that the leaves and vine are mildly poisonous and if eaten in large quantities could kill a Kawani person. It is unknown at this time to the Kawani if Adatsosedisgi Anitsilvsgi will kill a Soquili but the Soquili know that they can eat the flowers, which taste bitter, but not the leaves or vines because they cause indigestion.
Adatsosedisgi Anitsilvsgi is hardy and can survive the winter only loosing it’s leaves and flowers. The flowers themselves bloom continually as long as the temperatures are above 67 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also possible to take a cutting of the vine and plant it and it will grow. Adatsosedisgi Anitsilvsgi opens during the day and closes at night. Nighttime is the best time to pick the flower, as that is less likely to damage or lose the petals.
The vine will climb and constrict anything if left unchecked that it gets near: trees, bushes, teepees, etc. It has also been known to grow into saplings because it constricts the trunks and refuses to let go even as the trunk grows. The vine does not produce fruit or anything useful beyond the perfume and is still considered a pest by some Kawani. The flower appears on the vine very often and doesn’t allow for the use of the vine as rope or other purposes. There is no use for this flower except for its smell. Prize preferences: 1 Foral Ulan’suti , 2 Spring Alicorn, 3 Firebird Quetzal
Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 1:06 pm
A new species has been discovered! Username: Divena Flower name: The Silver Lining Flower design: This particular flower comes in five different variations, depending on the land it stems from. Regardless of variation, the vine is as black as night with silver thorns instead of leaves, with star shaped flowers blooming along its length. With five petals, silvery pale at the base and bleeding out into a color that varies depending on where the flower blooms. If nurtured by fire, the silver will fade into flame red edges that flicker as if on fire themselves. If blooming from water logged lands it shows gentle blue, dripping as if rain soaked. If born from a land ravaged by air, it fades into a misty white. For a land that rebelled upon itself, the silver would disappear into vibrant colors that glittered like gems. For a land soaked in blood from war, the silver would bleed into shadows. Flower information: Every disaster comes with a Silver Lining. A rare, magical flower, it blooms only when there has been great death and destruction, be it flood, fire, earthquake or war. Wherever the land was ravaged and the natives are feeling the loss of their brethren. The source of the disaster colors the petals, but has no effect on its ultimate purpose, and in cases where multiple things combined to create destruction, the petals would reflect each. For example, if war raged and caused a fire to destroy the land, the flower would alternate between fire and shadow petals, with three shadow and two fire since war was the primary cause.
The vine and thorns themselves are poisonous, causing whoever might try to eat them or got cut on the thorns to suffer unimaginable pain. However, just one petal brings about heightened fertility. Sometimes called a mother’s blessing, the Silver Lining brings the gift of children to those who need it most, enabling the survivors to rebuild their lives and their people.
However, the Silver Lining is fleeting and will wither away to nothingness as the land heals itself. A lush, thriving land will never see the Silver Lining, because it isn’t needed. But wherever there has been death and destruction… well, there’s always a Silver Lining.
Prize preferences: Floral Ulun’suti Spring Alicorn Firebird quetzal
A new species has been discovered! Username: Cricket2008 Flower name: Flower of Dreams
Flower design: A single flower grows on a tall stalk at the edges of woodland areas. At the base of the flower, heart shaped aquamarine leaves grow to about four inches. The slightly smaller, dark-veined petals are dark plum at the base fading to a lavender at the tips. In the center of the dish shaped petal whorl is a slender pearlescent bulb about three inches long. When the bulb blooms, it releases a dozen or more six inch white tendrils with tiny golden buds on the ends.
Flower information: Growing at the edge of the woodlands, the pearlescent bulb blooms once a month and only under a full moon on a clear night. If the night sky is filled with clouds, the bulb will refuse to open and release it's prized tendrils. When the moon is gone and the bulb closes, the tendrils dry to dust to be carried away on the wind.
As the full moon wanes, the flower and stalk die. The energy once used by the flower is now sent to the root, which lives on. The root now grows horizontally underground. At the beginning of a waxing crescent moon, a new stalk grows from the tip of the root in a new location. The new plant may be a few feet from the old plant, or it may be several yards away.
When a golden bud is captured fresh under a full moon and placed on the tongue, it gives a sense of euphoria. Many seek out the plant for this simple experience. The plants are prized by shamans for their dream inducing powers. Gathered during the full moon, the white tendrils can be placed in a bowl before they turn to dust. The dust can then be saved and used later, mixed with herbs, for easing pain by healers. Once discovered, the locations of these plants are kept secret and are fiercely guarded.
Prize preferences: Floral ulun'suti, Spring Alicorn, Firebird quetzal
Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 2:14 pm
A new species has been discovered! Username: dawns_aura Flower name: Angeni's Blessing (anhelicus beatum) Flower design:
Physical description:A cruciform/stellate flower amidst a cluster of rosette leaves, coloration is a varigated blue (shades all pale, flow into each other with no sudden or abrupt lines markings) Where it is found: Deep in the heart of the southernmost jungles of Kawani, in the canopy Life cycle/propagation: unknown Special properties/uses: It is believed that in dire circumstances, the flower seems to glow with a 'Holy Light' which enables it to be distinguished from other flowers of similar type and coloration. When ingested (soquili just eat the blossom, kawani natives boil the plant in water making a fragrant tea) the flower combats illness, strengthening the immune system and regenerating tissue in the long run, while short term affects may include (but are not limited to ) the following:temporary enhancement to strength, speed, courage and comprehension abilities... In some cases, the plant is poisonous, causing paralysis, blindness, seizure/stroke and in some cases, death.
None of this is verified, as it has only been passed down as lore for many generations as there have not been circumstances dire enough to even go and search the flower out.
Flower information: There is a story that has been passed down from the very beginning of the kawani people.
The story mentions that when the first angeni left the heavens to become a part of the world he had watched from afar for so long and guarded from a distance. When he left the heavens, he brought with him a gift, one that would bestow his blessings on whomever used it. Provided they were pure of heart an the need was dire. Otherwise the effects would mimic various poisons, depending on how selfish or greedy the motives of the user were.
Because the power and temptation were so great, any who wanted to use it had to pass a test. The location of the plant, to test determination resolve and need. Thorns, snakes, insects to test strength and purity of heart.... Prize preferences: mare
dawns_aura
Peaceful Demigod
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.Tortured. .Pumpkin.
Backwoods Garbage
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Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2014 2:56 pm
A new species has been discovered! Username: .Tortured. .Pumpkin. Flower name: Invisible Moonflower Flower design: This moonflower's bloom is formed by many layers of triangular petals which are widest at the center and narrow to a rigid point at the perimeter. The texture of the petals is stiff when trying to bend, causing the points to be able to cut for protection. In coloration, the petals are white at the center and fade to a very deep blue. The center breeding mechanism is barely noticeable against the white center petals. Size-wise, the blooms are a palm-width across and if cut from the stem and placed upside-down, it is cone-shaped. Unlike most flowers, there are no visible leaves on the underside of the bloom, just petals. The greenery of the plant is lower to the ground; less than a hand's height. It's bush-like, with triangular leaves that half-wrap around the stems and curl outward at their points. The plant only ever bears one bloom per season. The color of the leaves is a very, very deep green, while the stems are a pale woody color. The skin of the stems is a soft, velvety texture. The roots spread deep into the soil and are centralized to the width of the plant. They are wire-like and difficult to cut. Flower information: According to the Kawani, the Invisible Moonflower is a miracle flower, medically. Just a petal, if ground and inhaled, can heal the ill, no matter how far the sickness has progressed. A few more petals can heal deadly wounds if ground into a paste and applied to the wound, and the same amount can save mothers having difficulties during child birth when ingested. Just why this is, nobody knows. The flower only blooms once a year, during the full moon of the Summer Solstice, and there is only one plant known to the Kawani. It lives in the high mountains on the desert side. Due to the importance and rarity of this plant, it is protected always by a select few who live with it. Once it blooms, only some of the petals are harvested in fear of killing the plant. They are then dried and transported by a group of armed Kawani. Only the Shaman has access to the petals once they are received by the Kawani tribe, and only the Chief and Shaman are able to decide if they need to be used. It is unknown how many times the plant has been successful, nor how many times it has been needed. Prize preferences: Ulun'suti, familiar, pass please.
Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2014 8:53 pm
A new species has been discovered! Username: Laroawan Flower name: Canipumilius, cani from the latin ‘canis’ meaning ‘dog’ and pumilius from the latin ‘pumilius pumilio’ meaning ‘dwarf.’ It is more commonly known as Corgi Smile.
Flower design: The flower of the Canipumilius has four large petals or ray florets. In the center is a circle of disk florets atop the central receptacle that all the florets grow from. All the florets have a distinct orange color on the underside/outside of each floret, while the top is a cream white. The four ray florets are divided into two groups. Two florets grow side by side, typically facing up towards the sky. The other two florets grow from the side opposite of the other two and grow overlapped with each other. A unique feature of this flower is that it also has a large stamen of a light yellow color that grows out between the two lower ray florets. The flowers grow from a single tall stem that can reach to 0.5 m tall. Eight to sixteen leaves branch from the stem at its full height. The stem and leaves are a pale grey-green color. The roots are made of a thin “running” rhizome which spreads quickly underground. The flower is named for its appearance when viewed from the side. Each flower is said to resemble the smiling face of a Corgi, or dwarf dog.
Click for larger image
Flower information: Canipumilius is a herbaceous plant found primarily in grassland areas, particularly in the Aa-wi-u-s-di Plains. The plant grows from March to October and flowers from June to August. The flower has a light, pleasant, sweet scent. During the winter months the plant dies back and the rhizome lays dormant in the soil, waiting for the temperature to reach 5 degrees Celsius before sending up new shoots. The plant is well known amongst the Kawani for its medicinal properties as well as being used as a supplementary food source.
The plant can reproduce both through its seeds and through its rhizome. The main stamen is the male part of the plant and contains the pollen which is carried by bees when they crawl between the two lower petals. The disk florets contain the female part which is pollinated and subsequently turns to seed. At the end of the growing season the small seeds are easily scattered on the wind if they have yet to be eaten and spread by birds. Each stem typically can grow between 1 and 4 flowers but when a patch of canipumilius is endanger of dying off the plant will stop its rhizome and leaf growth and put all its energy into producing flowers, with up to 8 per stem being common.
The disk florets go to seed by September and the tiny seeds are edible, often used to accent a salad or roasted to be stored and eaten over the winter. The seeds have a thin papery shell which is easily removed by placing the seeds in a leather pouch and gently going over it with a rolling pin. The seeds are then placed into water where the seeds will sink while the skin rises to the surface. The leaves are also edible but have a mild sour flavor. They are best cooked and are used to flavor stews and sauces.
The smiling corgi face that the flower resembles is a hint as to its medicinal use. The ray florets (petals) are collected and brewed as a tea which is well known for curing depression. The petals can be dried but are best used fresh. Grinding them in a mortar will help release the chemicals before brewing in boiling water. The flavor is quite bitter so adding a spoon of honey is advised for palatability.
A new species has been discovered! Username: Redbud-Tree Flower name: Blood-drop Flower design: A blood-drop looks, at first glance, somewhat similar to a briar. It’s a woody-stemmed, flowering shrub that tends to grow in patches of plants twined together. Like the briar, it’s also covered in thorns – but it is there that the similarities end. The thorns of a blood-drop are very long, thin, and almost needle-like in appearance, with a purplish-red sheen along the tip. Along the stem, beneath each thorn, is a small cluster of very small berries, clumped together in bunches of anywhere from three to five berries. These berries are a deep blood-red color. While it is the berries that give the plant its name, berries must come from flowers, and the flowers that precede the growth of the berries are very unique indeed. These flowers are relatively small, and grow in clusters below the thorns. They have a round shape, and are white – but speckled with dark red spots the color of old blood.
Flower information: Said to have come about from an attempt to purify a cursed valley, blood-drops are named for a number of features that give the plants an eerie, almost threatening appearance. Those who can look past the flowering shrub’s fearsome reputation and frightening appearance, however, will find a plant of surprising utility and nutritional benefit. The roots of the blood-drop, for instance, can be dug up and, if dried and crushed into a powder, can be used as a method to stop bleeding – the nature of the root allows it to function as an external clotting agent and bandage, providing a temporary seal until the injury can be taken care of in a more permanent manner.
The berries of the blood-drop are edible, and have a high juice content compared to their small size. Somewhat reminiscent of a blueberry in shape and size, these berries are filled with a dark juice that is high in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. They can also be used to brew tea, though the resulting beverage is not for the faint of heart, as it is a deep russet color that at least superficially resembles blood. The juice of the berries can produce a similar effect, and has been used by many a particularly-daring youngster to prank unwary friends and parents by virtue of its ability to simulate injury.
The final use for the versatile blood-drop is found in the flowers themselves: similar to the honeysuckle plant, these flowers contain pockets full of nectar, and if one is brave enough to reach past the thorns in order to obtain one, are quite sweet and certainly edible.
In fact, one of the only things that has protected the blood-drop from being over-utilized is the relative difficulty found in obtaining any of these things: the roots, the berries, or the flowers. This difficulty comes from the thorns that protect the plant. Each one of these long, thin spikes is hollow, and secretes from the end a small amount of liquid that is a severe skin irritant, and causes an itching and burning sensation should it make contact with the skin. Those who are brave enough to risk it, however, will find in the blood-drop a plant most delightful addition to any herbalist’s stores or the breakfast table.
These plants prefer to grow in moist soil, with mixed shade and sunlight. When exposed to too much sun, the berries become dry and the thorns crack, while too much shade will stunt growth. True to its legendary origin, the blood-drop can usually be found in valleys, and will almost never be discovered at higher elevations. The flowers of the blood-drop first bloom in mid-spring, and berries form and begin to grow over the course of the summer, varying in ripening by temperature and humidity levels. By late summer to early fall, the berries will have ripened and are considered edible.
Consumption of underripe berries can result in nausea and other minor stomach complaints, so caution is recommended when determining edibility.
Prize preferences: Mare, stallion, quetzal
Posted: Tue Mar 18, 2014 8:48 am
Edited 3/19 10:30am CST - Added images
A new species has been discovered!
Username:Kamiki
Flower name:Strangling Lady (faucibus dominae)
Flower design:The flower has a similar external appearance to the common and harmless Hydrangea; having one stalk that sprouts close-blooming, small flowers. The Strangling Lady has a longer, less pom-pom like head that some say resembles a fancy lady's gown. The colors are primarily purple, pink, or light blue.
Flower information:The Strangling Lady tends to grow in the vicinity of Hydrangea, which makes its camouflage very effective. It has a strong, pleasant fragrance in order to attract insects. To the trained eye, the Strangling Lady has larger, thicker flowers that have a waxlike shine to them. The Strangling Lady's key feature, is its small, winding vines that hide under the blooming pom. When prey, such as an insect (or even a small hummingbird) agitates the vines, they are activated and wrap around the offending prey. It's not intelligence, but a simple reaction to stimuli. The more/harder the agitation, the tighter the vines will wind... eventually causing the prey to be overcome by the trapping vines. Similar to a constrictor snake, the prey usually succumbs to the tightening of the vines and suffocates. The vines form a kind of "cocoon" around the prey and will retreat back into the canopy of the bloom. As the prey decomposes, the vines feed off the nutrients of the prey.
Poor little bee...the vines are striking!
Prize preferences:Suti, quetzal ((won a Soq, only eligible for fams)
A new species has been discovered! Username: elfstar89 Flower name: Zephyr Balm, sometimes known as Desert Trumpet Flower design: The Zephyr Balm is a tillandsia, one of a number of plants that have no roots; they instead grow parasitically on other plants. The Zephyr Balm produces long, delicate blossoms ranging in color from a deep coral all the way to a pale gold, coming out of a nest of long, thin, slightly curling leaves. The leaves are a silvery green from a whitish base, with a somewhat waxy texture. Juicy white fruit similar in flavor to pineapple is encased in a spiny green shell the same color as the leaves Flower information: Zephyr Balms reproduce by "pupping," a style of budding off the main plant. They bloom every year after the first from March to June, and grow best with only a little water and plenty of sunshine, and fruit sometime in the next three months. They can get most of their nutrients from their host or other surrounding plants. They can usually be found around the edges of Uunule Noyi Desert, occasionally high up in swamp trees. The primary usage of Zephyr Balm is medicinal, hence the name, though the fruit can also be eaten if opened. The sap of the leaves can be used to treat burns and the leaves themselves chewed to prevent dehydration. The leaves have a minty flavor. Its favorite hosts include cacti, aloe, and yucca. Prize preferences: Floral Ulun'suti, Spring Alicorn; cannot win quetzal
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