Mirrorleaf Tree
Basic Information
Anatomy
Mirrorleaf trees get their name from their leafs, which are such a shiny silver that they have nearly mirror-like reflective qualities. This is accomplished by the absorption of metals from the ground via their extremely long roots which can reach up to 12 times their height deep into the ground. The leaves are very thin and lined with actual metal, giving them an very sharp razor’s edge. This sharpness helps to protect them from ravaging birds that often scour other trees on Egea clean of their leaves, birds that attempt to eat a Mirrorleaf rewarded with severe lacerations. Because of how long the leaves take to grow, the keep them year round, leafs only departing from their parent tree when they are forcibly removed by environmental or other factors. This is the opposite for Mirrorleaf tree seeds, which grow in clusters among the tree’s branches and posses thin, winglike growths that allow them to catch the wind and fly great distances to land in fertile soil and grow a new tree. The “wings” of these seeds are also reflective and very sharp, leading to prudence of foot placement when near one of these trees to be a wise action.
Genetics and Reproduction
These trees’ seeds, known to locals as “cutter-flys”, can sometimes be mistaken for bugs due to their natural ability to glide through the air via wind currents to land in fertile soil and produce a new tree. These seeds grow on Mirrorleaf trees in masses, a spherical lump forming and developing into 25-50 seeds with the “wings” arrayed outwards, resulting in quite an interesting appearance. When the seeds are ready, the cluster detached from the tree and bursts mid-flight, sending seed gliding off in every direction. This can sometimes be dangerous for passersby, they sharp edges of the seeds cutting flesh very easily if they fly into biological matter or are accidentally stepped on.
Additional Information
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Primitive Egeans would often harvest the leaves of these trees to use as weapons such as spear tips and arrowheads. To this day some traditional and/or ceremonial blades are still crafted from these trees’ leaves as well as various other objects such as shaving razors and the like.
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