Deadleaf

The flower of the Deadleaf is said to be warning in the wastes, the smell of it strong enough to give warning of the danger that carries it. This black leafed parasitic plant grows from corpses and the undead and, while dangerous to gather, is actually very useful.

Basic Information

Ecology and Habitats

Deadleaf is an obligate parasite that cannot sustain itself without a host body to feed from. The plant, while not dangerous to living organisms, can be found growing on corpses of humanoid and animal remains that have been left exposed long enough to the open air. The seeds are consumed by the host and will sprout after a matter of a week or so following the demise. The seeds are indigestible, but small enough to get caught within the folds of flesh within the stomach and intestinal track of the host. The sprouting plants will slowly push through the decomposing flesh to breach to the outside of the host where it may begin its full growth cycle. Upon reaching maturity, the plant will flower and begin to release an odor that resembles fresh cut meat, attracting animals and many forms of undead to the host and enticing them via smell to devour the host and spread the seeds in the process. It is not uncommon to see larger herds of undead covered in the broad, black leaves and white berries of the Deadleaf plant.

Additional Information

Uses, Products & Exploitation

The Deadleaf plant is not toxic to the living if prepared correctly, though the ingested berries will remain in the system indefinitely. The leaves are a powerful astringent if boiled down into a salve and can be used to staunch bleeding and speed up the healing process.

Scientific Name

Aberrant Plant

Origin/Ancestry

Mistletoe