Goosefruit Tree (Barnacle Tree)

. . . I came across a small river, winding idly through the landscape. My legs ached from the journey and the tranquil, idyllic setting called to me. I sat down beneath an oak tree to rest. As I lay against the thick trunk, I began to take note of my surroundings. A strange tree caught my attention, a plant with red back, its low branches hanging out over the waters. These branched were covered in rock-like growths, from which hung misshapen fruit. A strong wind suddenly rushed through the glade, nearly taking my hat. It dislodged two of the fruits, sending them crashing down. The first smashed into the ground, splitting open with a squelch and emitting the pungent odor of rotting meat, spilling out a thick pulp the colour of pomegranate seeds. The other hit the water, the shell splitting open. A goose broke free, honking wildly to escape its confinement and taking off low across the water. I had heard tales of this strange plant, but I had never imagined that the stories were true.

Clemence d'Auvergne

Basic Information

Anatomy

Barnacle trees have long, reddish branches that extend far over waterways, extending from a solid trunk. A typical tree will grow no more than 5 meters tall, averaging around 3. A typical branch holds about 4 rock-like barnacles, from which misshapen green fruit grows.
Once hatched, a goosefruit is largely indistinguishable from an non-magical goose and holds few special properties.

Biological Traits

A typical barnacle tree lasts about 5 Summerrules, or until its water source is depleted. A barnacle goose lives around 1 Summerrule, during which it attempts to seed a new tree.

Genetics and Reproduction

Barnacle Trees grow several (typically around 4) rock-like pods of each branch, which in turn produce misshapen fruit, vaguely resembling a goose hanging from its bill. When ripe, these drop to the ground. Those hitting the ground smash open, decaying instantly with a pungent smell of rotting flesh. Fruit that hits the water opens, revealing a goose within. These geese take flight.
Come winter, a barnacle goose will fly along rivers and coastlines. It will attempt to bury itself in soft soil next to these waters, becoming the seed of a new barnacle tree.

Ecology and Habitats

Barnacle trees grow in the temperate Northern climes of Kornôgel and Albia, around relatively calm sources of water, such as ponds, rivers, bays and lakes, where their branches can overhang. Barnacle trees are often found near regions of Tomhaidhm Bleeds.

Dietary Needs and Habits

The trees are notorious waterhogs and drain small ponds nearby (thus condemning their fruit to rot. Once hatches, the barnacle geese eat grasses, seeds, fruits and aquatic plants in a diet typical of non-magical geese.

Biological Cycle

Barnacle trees are active during Summerrule, beginning to flower within a short time after Kala-Hañv, when the Summer Queen takes the throne. Their fruit grows fast, dropping within a lunar cycle. The geese are active until the transition to Winterrule, throwing themselves onto the shoreline in grief as the Winter Queen claims her place at Kalan-Goañv

Additional Information

Domestication

Barnacle Trees are notoriously difficult to maintain domestically due to their erratic nature. However, steps can be taken to encourage the spread of wild Barnacle Trees in the area by making a waterway enticing to geese. Goosefruit, as a bird, falls under the privileges of a noble who oversees the land. (See: Seigniorial Rights and Duties

Uses, Products & Exploitation

Barnacle wood, rough and rocklike, is worthless as a construction material and typically burned after its fruit-bearing years. Goosefruit is a popular food, described as a gamey, somewhat sweet meat similar to non-magical goose.

Geographic Origin and Distribution

Typically found along waterways in temperate Northern climes from Orkney Isles to the Liger River valley. They are common in Letha, La Manche, Neustria and Anjev, as well as Southern Logres.

Scientific Name

Bernacae

Lifespan

5 years (Tree), 1 Summerrule (Goosefruit)

Average Height

4-5 meters (Tree), 55-70 cm (Goosefruit)

Average Weight

1.2-2.2 kg (Goosefruit)

Average Length

3 m (Tree Branch), 130-145 cm (Goosefruit wingspan)

Body Tint, Colouring and Marking

Trees are typically a dull reddish colour with grey, rock-like pods.
Goosefruit typically have a white face and black head, neck and upper breast, with a white belly. Its back and wings are siver-grey with black bars.