Kasva Resin

The Kasva plant is nothing special to look at, with a hexagonal symetry consisting of a central bulb which flowers, and six long, thick leaves that spread out along the ground. Each leaf has the ability to fold along it's centerline, closing up the leaf to protect the "top" that is more sensitive and leaving only the thick underside exposed. The flower itself, which blooms only at night, is a pale yellow with red veins.
Underground, however, lies it's most important attribute. A large hollow gourd-like root can be found just a few inches under the surface. Inside the tough outer shell the plant holds it's reserve of resin, up to five gallons for larger specimens. This resin is a mix of water and enzymes the plant produces and keeps stable within it's core. This reservoir allows the Kasva to survive the worst storms or drought the wasteland can produce, while preventing predation by wildlife.
The enzymes in the resin make it uv-reactive, hardening from it's natural state of slightly viscous to rock-like hardness (Mohs 7.3) in a few minutes.

History & Usage

History

The Kasva is one of the few plants in the wasteland that was known to have been around since before the fall, though it's usefulness has expanded greatly since then. The conversion of the wasteland to it's current state has expanded the kasva habitat greatly, while previously it was relatively rare, it can now be found through the wasteland and even into the badlands.

Everyday use

The resin is used often for household uses wherever a fast, hard patch is needed. It's found some use to seal wounds, however as it can only truly be used during the day it has not found permanent usage in this way.

Cultural Significance and Usage

The kasva plant itself is used as a symbol for Themiscyra, representing the survival of it's people.

Manufacturing & Products

Within Themiscyra the resin has found use as a substitute for glass, everything from tableware to windows. Dyes or colored powders are often added before curing, leading to a great deal of artful expression and customization. While very common within Themisycra, exported kasva resin pieces can go for exhorbitant ammounts.
For all it's durability and lightness there have been many attempts to make reliable weaponry from it, unfortuantely it's lack of ductility results in blades that, while strong and sharp lack the flexibility of steel, resulting in poor overall performance. Still, resin has found some use for arrow and bolt heads, but tends to shatter when used for bullets.

Byproducts & Sideproducts

After a gourd is emptied, it is often repurposed as a water or alchohol keg. The top is cut open and both parts set out in the sun, any remaining resin hardening and providing a water-tight container that can last for years.

Distribution

Trade & Market

Kasva is one of the first non-food plants that were attempted to be cultivated, but all attempts have been met with failure, the resin produced by these never quite equaling that of the wild kasva. That restricts the kasva resin as being available only from those who travel in the wastes. It's common enough that there is not a shortage, but rare enough that nomads never leave without all of it sold.

Storage

Storage for kasva resin must be in completely opaque containers, lest it all harden. Most commonly this container is it's original gourd, dug up trimmed, shaped, and a tap inserted.

Type

Biomaterial

Odor

A sweet scent slightly reminiscent of lemons.

Taste

Bitter with a metallic aftertaste.

Color

Light yellow while liquid, dries crystal clear.

Common State

Liquid